How many of you have ever experienced heartbreak? You know, everything is going great, you’re happy, maybe there are a few speed bumps along the way, but you work through them, then, all of a sudden… it’s OVER. However, I’m not talking about a boy. I’m talking about Notre Dame Athletics.
You know, those games that you genuinely think a piece of your soul has been ripped out from inside of you when the time runs out and the final buzzer sounds. If you have never felt like that, STOP READING, you just don’t care enough. If you have felt the pain and agony that comes with being a diehard Irish fan, you may also want to stop reading because I am about to pour salt on those wounds.
Here is a glance of my personal heartbreaks from the past year:
Notre Dame vs. Florida State Football 2014
Notre Dame was handling the Seminoles, up 17-10 at the half. The Irish had quarterback Jameis Winston rattled. Then, the second half started, and FSU scored on three of their first four drives. The Irish did not back down. With 13 seconds left, quarterback Everett Golson hit receiver Corey Robinson for the touchdown. Everyone back in South Bend was on their feet until the refs called pass interference. However, as the time ticked down, ND kept driving, only to land a mere 2 yards short. Then, we cried.
Final Score: FSU wins 31-27
Notre Dame vs. Kentucky Basketball 2015
At the beginning of the season, I do not think many would have predicted Notre Dame to win an ACC championship then continue on to nearly ruin the Wildcats’ perfect season and earn a seat in the final four. ND controlled the tempo the entire game. With about 3 minutes left, Notre Dame was up 66-64. Kentucky tied it up then forced a turnover leading to two more Wildcat points. With the clock winding down, Jerian Grant heaved a last second three, but it was no good. As this memorable season came to an end, the tears were flowing from Quicken Loans Arena back to South Bend. March Madness, more like March Sadness.
Final Score: UK wins 68-66
Notre Dame vs. UNC Women’s Lacrosse 2015
Okay, so this game may not have had as many viewers as my first two heartbreaks, but for me, this one was personal. It was the day after my last heartbreak when ND fell just short to UK. It was a rainy day at Arlotta Stadium. I’m just going to skip over the first half, considering the No. 3 ranked UNC went up 7-1. Then, it all clicked after halftime. The girls came out seeking vengeance. With five minutes left, Rachel Sexton tied the game for Notre Dame at 8. However, Carolina was able to score one more goal and take the game. Too little, too late.
Final Score: UNC wins 9-8
Notre Dame vs. Louisville Baseball 2015:
Not only was this game a heartbreaker, it took 4 hours and 50 minutes,131 at-bats, and 18 inning. Honestly, this is all that needs to be said. Imagine having to concentrate for four hours and 50 minutes. Then, think about the fans… watching baseball for this long only to see your guys lose. So, who needs a late night snack to eat their feelings after this one?
Final Score: Louisville wins 6-4.
Notre Dame Men’s Lacrosse vs. Denver 2015:
The crowd was electric at the national semifinal game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Notre Dame and Denver duked it out for an intense four quarters of lacrosse. It looked like it was over in the fourth quarter when Denver went up 10-6. Then, Sergio Perkovic became a legend. In the course of 1 minute and 35 seconds, Perkovic scored three of his five goals. Thanks to the sharp shooting Perkovic, Notre Dame sent the game into overtime. Denver converted first to beat the Irish. After a comeback like this, Notre Dame lacrosse fans across the country were left feeling empty and wanting more.
Final Score: Denver wins 11-10
Notre Dame vs. Clemson Football 2015:
Ahh the hopes of an undefeated season stripped away from beneath us. Notre Dame came out flat, putting the Irish down 21-3. Despite this slow start, Notre Dame rallied. Between turnovers and fumbles, Deshone Kizer threw two touchdown passes making it a two-point ball game. With seven seconds left, the Irish went for the tie with a two-point conversion, but fell short. Let’s just say not many Irish fans slept easy on that football Saturday.
Final Score: Clemson wins 24-22
These are just a few of the heartbreaks us Irish fans have experienced within the last year, but I am grateful for these heartbreaks. This is because as a Notre Dame sports fan, we have high expectations. We expect greatness because of the greatness we receive weekend after weekend. So despite the laughter, tears, and agony our relationship with Notre Dame Athletics has brought us, we stand behind our teams, always proud.
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