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Walking off the field following his team's gritty, season-ending loss to DeMatha in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference semifinals on Friday, Bishop McNamara boys' soccer coach Bob Nolte didn't seem the least bit disappointed.

Yes, his side had been eliminated from WCAC title contention following the 2-1 defeat. But Nolte beamed with pride about the determined effort his team turned in against its 19-3 opponent, which went on to lose the league title match, 1-0, to Gonzaga (D.C.) on Sunday.

"I couldn't be prouder," said Nolte, whose team finished 10-9-5 to earn its first winning record in his seven seasons at the school. "They were up against a very tough DeMatha squad, but they never backed down. It's such a special group. This school has just been behind them the entire season. People have said they are the heart and soul of our school right now, and it really is true."

While DeMatha had the better of the possession on the day, McNamara forward Nik Holder's emphatic strike from the top of the penalty area tied the game, 1-1, a minute before halftime.

For a 16-minute stretch, it seemed as if the Mustangs might pull off an upset. But Lester Hayes' goal in the 55th minute put the Stags back on top, and McNamara ran out of time as DeMatha hung on for the victory.

"It was amazing how things opened up after that goal," Nolte said. "It kind of stunk that it happened right before halftime. I think if it happened early in the second half, we'd be looking at a different result."

As Nolte reflected on the season, he directed praise to the senior class that had just worn the McNamara uniform for the last time.

"They were just unbelievable," Nolte said. "We have 11 guys who are seniors who just committed themselves to this program with very little scholarship money. They're all terrific students and just a tremendous group of young men."