The 2-1 loss came as Angelique Hristodoulou blasted the ball down the middle from the spot, just three minutes after Caitlin Cooper scored a stunning volley to equalise.

The Stingrays had come from three goals down to beat Blacktown Spartans 5-4 last week and Trudy Burke showed their might be some magic left, when she pulled off a great diving save to deny Teresa Polias in the first half.

Burke chose correctly but couldn't keep out Susan Phonsongkham's shot for the second penalty, before Hristodoulou sealed it in the 82^nd minute.

"Three penalties was a bit much for us in the end," coach Scott Chipperfield.

"We fought really hard after a bit of a slow start, but when their second goal came soon after we equalised, we just ran out of time.

"I think we were a bit flat, last week took a lot out of us, coming from three goals down, but the effort was certainly there."

The Stingrays had been in the hunt for a top-three finish and two finals chances, but a loss on the last day to premiers Sydney University saw them drop to fifth on the ladder.

Chipperfield said he was yet to consider whether he would coach again next year, but said the future for the Stingrays was bright.

"We've got a really good crop of 16 and 17 years coming through," he said.

"Our senior girls have been great this year and we've had to rely on them at times with players coming in and out.

"But I'm pretty confident they'll only be better against next season when the younger ones get their chance and step up."

Olympic now move on to the preliminary final against the Northern Tigers, who beat them 1-nil in the major semi-final.

But Sydney University are on course for a double, having overpowered the Tigers 2-nil to move straight into the grand final.

Michelle Carney finished the season as the leading goalscorer with 10, while Hannah Beard, Eric Halloway and Chloe Middleton also played key roles in front of goal.

"We probably should have finished a bit higher on the ladder, but it's a really close competition between the top teams," Chipperfield said.

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