For a certain group of players, the UNCW women’s soccer team’s 3-1 loss to Virginia Commonwealth in the Colonial Athletic Association quarterfinals meant a little more than just the end of a season. It also brought the end of an era.

This season, the Seahawks say goodbye to seven seniors, including such key players as captains Jenny Cauble and Brooke Boley as well as scoring threats Ashley Church and Dalton Carruthers.

These departing players have been at the forefront of a rapid turnaround in the success of the program, finishing second in the conference in 2006 and qualifying for a second consecutive CAA tournament in this year’s campaign.

Cauble, an ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District and Second Team All-CAA honoree, led the group as the team’s most consistent player. After amassing three all-conference selections and 54 career points (20 goals, 14 assists), which places her third on the school’s all-time list, Cauble is quick to pass on the plaudits to her teammates.

“Every award I’ve ever gotten has been because of the team,” she said, “I couldn’t do any of it with my teammates.”

Now that her tremendous has come to a close, Cauble has some mixed feelings about the end.

“It’s frustrating because we didn’t play our best [against VCU], but at the same time it’s bittersweet because soccer’s been such a big part of my life, and I’m ready to move on,” she said.

Teammate Dalton Carruthers shared in some of her sentiments.

“I can’t believe it’s over. It really hit me when the game ended,” she said.

Carruthers, a forward who fought back from a serious knee injury her junior year to record six career goals, wants to be remembered for her determination.

“To have ACL surgery and get back to where I am is something I’m proud of,” she said.

As this group of players departs, they still have a few words of wisdom for their teammates returning next season.

Carruthers suggests that all the players “just enjoy every game.”

“Stick with it,” Cauble said. “It’s worth it, and it’s an accomplishment when you play all four years. Rely on your teammates to get each other through it.”

Seahawks coach Paul Cairney understands the hole being left by this year’s senior exit and is not shy about dishing out praise.

“They’ve been part of some of the most successful teams we’ve had here,” he said. “They all lead by example, and I’m going to miss having them around.”