LAC LA BICHE – A loss is a loss, at least according to a standard sports mantra. Sometimes, though, a loss comes with a silver lining. Saturday afternoon, a loss came with so much good news that the world's silver mines must have been in overdrive.

The Portage College Women's Soccer Team lost 8-1 to the visiting NAIT Ooks at the Bold Center Soccer Field. The important stat line to notice is the "1," as in their second year of ACAC action, the Voyageurs notched their first-ever goal regular season goal. Ashley Tweedy potted the historic marker at the 46th minute of play, just as the first half was coming to an end. After the game, she could barely contain her excitement.

"It's just exciting that I got to be able to do that first one," she said, smiling from ear to ear. "I think we played very well too. We could've got a couple more but being able to score the first one, I'm pretty pumped about that."

The late first-half goal seemed to inspire the Voyageurs, who played a spirited second 45 minutes against their talented visitors.

"I think the pep talk that our coaches give us just gives us another boost and the extra couple of minutes to catch our breath because half of us stay on the whole time," said Tweedy. "So just that little break gives us the boost that we need for the second half."

Gracie Hausch was named player of the game for the Ooks while goalkeeper Hayley Fernandes, who made several spectacular saves during the match, was named player of the game for Portage. The Voyageurs head to Lloydminster tomorrow to take on Lakeland College before returning home next Saturday to take on The King's University.