A desperately unlucky University of Canberra outfit had their hearts broken twice in as many hours at the third leg of the University Sevens series.
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Canberra lost the bronze medal match thanks to a Bond University try after the siren, mere hours after suffering the same fate at the hands of Macquarie University.
But Canberra star Cassie Staples says the heartbreak will hold them in good stead for the final leg of the series on the Gold Coast in a fortnight.
Staples scored three tries in Canberra's two finals matches and the Australian sevens squad member is adamant things are starting to click in the capital.
"Hundred per cent. Finals footy day two is always the most important day in any kind of tournament," Staples said.
"You've got to turn up to win and we just lacked that bit of finals footy experience. We had a great day and we almost took out the two games.
"Despite our two losses, we've had a great weekend. We've really connected on and off the field and I think that's shown throughout the tournament.
"Next time in the next leg, hopefully we can come away with the two wins on the last day."
Bond's Katie Heffernan scored after the siren to deny Canberra a maiden podium finish at the event in heartbreaking fashion.
Darcy Read opened the scoring for Canberra and a late Staples try had the underdogs in the box seat to secure bronze before Heffernan struck the killer blow.
It capped off a shattering day for Canberra, who looked to have a grand final berth sewn up late in the semi-final.
Macquarie scored three tries in the final three minutes to snatch a grand final berth from Canberra's grasp as they coughed up a 21-5 lead.
Canberra looked to have secured a grand final spot after Staples launched into a 70 metre dash to rack up her her second try of the match.
But Macquarie's Nita Maynard scored a late double and Sarah Halversen capped off a thrilling comeback with a brilliant solo effort to win the match after the siren.
The University of Queensland continued their dominance to claim their third straight gold medal with a 12-5 win over Macquarie.
Canberra will seek vengeance during the final leg of the series, which takes place at Bond University on the Gold Coast and begins on September 29.
