Buckingham native Samantha Pankey’s inaugural Women’s Rugby World Cup experience is now complete as she and the rest of the U.S. national team earned fourth place in Ireland after having played competitively against the top three teams in the world.

“This experience was once in a lifetime,” said the 34-year-old Pankey. “Even if I stick it out for another cycle, I will never again get the chance to play with this team. Personnel will change, staff will change, the culture and landscape will change. This team was one of a kind. One of our players said, ‘I could just hug everyone everyday.’ I think that goes to show how close we became and that is rare.”

The U.S. squad, also known as the Women’s Eagles, went 2-1 in pool play in Dublin, losing only to defending champion England, which is ranked No. 2 in the world.

The Women’s Eagles advanced to the semifinals based on bonus points they earned in each of their three pool play contests. They challenged top-ranked New Zealand in the semifinals before the four-time champions pulled away for a definitive victory in Belfast.

New Zealand earned their fifth title after defeating England 41-32 in the championship match.

The No. 5-ranked U.S. squad tangled with No. 3 France in the Bronze Final and fell 31-23.

“The semifinal was a great battle,” said Pankey, who logged 22 minutes in the match. “France played a little differently than we had expected, but we adapted to that. The deciding factor was their ability to finish. We left points on the field.”

But Pankey sees a bright future for the Women’s Eagles.

“We played the three best teams in the world in the span of 10 days, and we steadily improved our performance,” she said. “I think that speaks volumes for our future prospects. We need to be tested more often and we need more assemblies to prepare for the international stage. If we can get those things, we will be one of the teams to beat in 2021.”

The former Buckingham County High School multi-sport standout compared the reality of playing on the pitch in the World Cup to the anticipation she had leading up to it.

“There is no feeling like suiting up for your country and taking the field against the best in your sport,” she said. “I can’t even begin to put words to it. I will say that on the field, those feelings often disappear when the job at hand is more important. On the field you’re doing what you love and there’s no room for awe.”

For the tournament, Pankey played 147 minutes, recording 15 meters made, seven tackles and five passes.

Considering other aspects of her experience, Pankey reflected on the memorable moments made between the matches that were played either in Dublin or Belfast.

“I can’t put my finger on a single moment,” she said. “Visiting the Aran Islands was wonderfully scenic and peaceful, while touring Belfast gave us a glimpse into Ireland’s troubled past. They have 17 walls in this city, and none of them create or promote peace.”

As far as what comes next for Pankey, she is heading back to San Diego, California, where she works as a personal trainer and will be continuing her rugby career.

“I plan on playing with the (San Diego) Surfers again this year,” she said, aiming to defend the team’s national championship. She added that she also hopes to possibly play some more seven-on-seven matches, known simply as 7s.

“There’s a 7s World Cup in 2018 in San Francisco, and if I have the slightest chance to make that squad, I’d like to see it through,” she said.