The Queen's Gaels women's soccer team celebrates its second consecutive national championship following the final game in Montreal. The Gaels beat the Montreal Carabins 1-0 in penalty-kicks to secure the title. (Photo courtesy of Andrew Dobrowolskyj, McGill Athletics).

The Queen’s Gaels women’s soccer team captured its second consecutive national title with a 1-0 penalty-kicks victory over the Montreal Carabins Sunday afternoon.

The Gaels women’s soccer squad is the first women’s team in Queen’s history to successfully defend its national title.

“This is an outstanding and history making performance by our team. They stood tall against three great opponents, demonstrating tremendous character, grit, tenacity and confidence. They are tremendous ambassadors for our university,” said Leslie Del Cin, Director, Athletics and Recreation.

The championship game came down to a shootout after 120 minutes of scoreless play. Riley Filion, Mikyla Kay and Kelli Chamberlain converted their penalty-kick attempts for the Gaels. Queen’s keeper Chantel Marson saved three of the four penalty kicks she faced to help the Gaels secure their second national title in as many years.

Ms Marson received the championship’s most valuable player award. She was also named to the championship all-star team along with fellow Gaels Jacqueline Tessier, Brienna Shaw and Ms Filion.

Queen’s advanced to the final with a similar 1-0 penalty-kicks victory over the Ottawa Gees Gee Saturday. The Gaels prevailed 3-2 during the penalty-kicks session.

Queen’s, who qualified for the tournament after winning the Ontario University Athletics championship in penalty-kicks over Wilfrid Laurier, opened the national championship with a 2-1 win over the Alberta Pandas last Thursday.

The Queen’s women’s soccer team has now won three national titles, the first coming in 1988.