But perhaps the most painful losses in sports are those who get that far but don't win.

It takes time to realize what's been accomplished. And sometimes it's only after graduation when players realize how many thousands of other athletes like them never got that opportunity.

This past weekend had a few runner-up teams (or close to it) from our area. It may take a little longer to realize what I'm about to say is completely true - now that the season is done, count yourself lucky, not empty-handed.

Eagles take 2nd: In its second year under former N.C. State head coach Rita Stubbs, Grace Christian took a huge step forward - all the way to the N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association 2A title game, held at Gaston Day School.

The Eagles completed their most successful season in school history with loss to unbeaten St. David's School.

Grace Christian was 28-5 this year with three of those losses coming to St. David's, who won Saturday's title game 25-14, 25-22 and 25-17. The Eagles were led by all-state selection Lydia Ruth.

In the same tournament, Cary Christian (17-7) was bounced by St. David's in the quarterfinals.

CA tennis falls short: Charlotte's Providence Day won the battle of previously undefeated girls tennis teams to claim the NCISAA 3A title with a 7-2 victory over Cary Academy.

"Most of the games were very competitive, and we played some good tennis," said Cary Academy coach Styrling Strother. "Providence Day was better."

The Chargers ended the year 21-1; the best record in school history. Anatasia Morgus, an all-state pick along with her sister Haleigh, won at No. 2 singles and Alex Udell and Jessie Liu won at No. 3 doubles.

Bulldogs are 3rd: The Wake Christian boys soccer team finished third in the N.C. Christian Schools Association 3A playoffs. The Bulldogs (12-8-2) lost to Alamance Christian 2-0 in the semifinals but defeated Wilson Christian 2-0 in the consolation game.