By KEN HAMWEY,

Staff Sports Writer

No one likes to lose, and sometimes a team will suffer defeat and live with disappointment for a lengthy stretch. The girls’ soccer team at Franklin High, however, should have no regrets, because they’re a study in resilience, showing that defeat can bring out the best in student-athletes.

The Panthers, who lost, 4-2, to Natick in the Division 1 State playoffs last fall, started the season at 3-4-1. After their fourth loss, an 8-2 setback against Medfield, they were 18th in the power rankings. 

But, coach Jodi Klein’s forces didn’t sulk or surrender. What they did was surge. 

The Panthers went on a run and compiled a 12-2-1 record after their loss to Natick. Call that overcoming adversity or call it personifying resilience, there’s no wrong answer.  

“The girls were embarrassed by the 8-2 loss,’’ Klein recalled. “The captains asked me to make the team run more in practice. What I did was raise the demands in practice, and they all responded.’’

Klein also credits the winning streak to some valuable team attributes. “We had depth, experience, team chemistry, high soccer IQs, coachable and skilled players and leadership from all the girls,’’ she emphasized.

Natick is a very deserving champion — three state crowns in the last five years speak volumes about the Redhawks’ ability and their achievements. Calling them a dynasty isn’t far-fetched. Klein labeled Natick as “a great team and a worthy champion.’’

So, Franklin finished as the State runner-up, the second-best team in the division. The Panthers’ gallant run earned them a No. 6 ranking, and they gave No. 4 Natick no comfort in a match that was 3-2 at halftime.

“We knew Franklin was going to be relentless and not give up,’’ Natick co-head coach Denise Trubiano said. “We watched film; we played 80 minutes of every game. Franklin is aggressive, they’re tough, they’re strong and we just knew we had to put the ball in the net, take advantage of opportunities and then hang on for dear life.’’

Natick held on until Nicole Proia scored an insurance goal to clinch the victory in the second half. Franklin’s goals were scored by Anna Carosi and Gwen Holland.

“We knew we had to limit space to Proia and Abby McCauley,’’ Klein noted. “We didn’t do that, and both scored twice.’’

Klein, who’s guided Franklin into four State tourneys in her four years as coach, had praise for her entire team, but a nucleus of eight players competed effectively in the five tourney matches. They include tri-captains Morgan Lovell, Cassidy Carmignani and Holland. Also, Jenny McGlaughlin, Lily Strong, Carosi, Ryleigh O’Brien and Grace Marinella.

“They were resilient during high-stress games,’’ Klein said, “and they were able to dig deep and perform at a high level when we really needed them.’’

Klein also credits center midfielders Laila Rosen, BB Vallee and Sophia Horton for “helping to maintain composure in the middle.”

The Panthers’ future could be bright again next year. They lose seven seniors, but 15 girls with varying degrees of playing time will return.

“We were young with five sophomores who started,’’ Klein said. “I expect another lengthy run, because we have a strong group of returnees, and I expect several talented players from the jayvees to make an impact.’’

Franklin finished its season at 15-6-2, and Natick’s record was 16-3-3.

The Panthers lost in the title showdown, but they showed how valuable attributes like hard work, resilience and dedication can be.

CORNER KICKS: 

• The Redhawks scored 19 goals during their playoff run and allowed only three, two of which were generated by Franklin.

• The last time the Panthers competed in a State final was 2012 when they defeated Nashoba

• Franklin’s road to the final included victories over Shrewsbury, Lincoln-Sudbury, Hopkinton and Concord-Carlisle.