SIX NATIONS - It may not be the ending the Hill United Chiefs wanted, but Bryan Porter, Mark Arsenault and the rest of the team are already eyeing next year.

“I think it was a great first year,” Porter said of the Chiefs' second place finish at the International Softabll Congress World Championships. “It would've been nice to win out of the gate but it'll make winning it that much sweeter if it does happen.”

After the Chiefs 8-6 extra-innings loss to the now three-time champion Jarvis Travelers, they've had time to reflect. And if you ask any of them, there's nothing they would've changed.

“If you eliminate everything but the final score, then I would say the week was perfect,” Arsenault said. “We are more than a team; we are a family. The organization treats the players amazingly, include Mike Joseph, Bryan Porter and of course the entire Hill family. Hill United is definitely the blueprint for any fastball team wishing to be successful.”

Despite the setback of losing in the world final, Porter said the Chiefs are going to be hungrier than ever.

“This really was a great year for a first-year team,” Porter said. “I think we're in a great position for next year. The guys love playing together and play for each other.”

He said a lot of credit goes to how the team was put together. “It's a group of guys that know each other and who wanted to play with each other,” Porter said. “It didn't take long for the chemistry. As soon as the first tournament came around the guys really bonded as a group. It's something we hope continues into next year.”

Heading into the world tournament, Porter said despite a near perfect record, everything they did was all in preparation for the ISCs.

“The whole summer was geared towards Midland MI. (ISC tournament). All of our victories were nice but we knew what we were here for.”

While winning all summer helped the team gel, a loss in the American Softball Association final to the New York Gremlins was the motivation they needed heading into the world tournament.

“It was a good thing,” Porter said. “We had to know what that feeling was. We also realized we couldn't sit back and expect magic when we get behind. We had to produce runs, even if you're grinding it out. You just have to stay up and positive and support everyone going to the plate. There was no pressure from us. It was all about doing your best.”

And as the ISC tournament progressed, the Chiefs were right where they wanted all the way to the final.

“Everyone was feeling good. We were winning the games we had to,” Porter said. “We were on the winner's side. Even in the final we were in a good mood. We started well but their hitters were just hitting.”

Arsenault said the loss is still something that stings.

“Saturday night was awful because usually we are just such a fun loving bunch. You could see the pain in every players face,” Arsenault said. “I feel like we let (pitcher) Adam (Folkard) down. He had our backs all summer, including the ISCs and we just didn't score him enough runs. He didn't deserve that ending.

“Jarvis, however, isn't the three-time world champions on luck only. They took the game from us in the eighth. We want what they have. We want to be a dynasty. Hopefully this loss will teach us all an important lesson. I wouldn't want to be the team that plays the Chiefs first game next year.”

darryl.smart@sunmedia.ca or twitter.com/darrylsmart1