Zags walk out of The Kennel defeated, but proud of their team

April 5, 2021 9:42 PM

Kaitlin Knapp,

Posted: April 5, 2021 9:42 PM

Updated: April 6, 2021 9:10 AM

by Kaitlin Knapp

SPOKANE, Wash. — Gonzaga was a force to be reckoned with. The undefeated team came into their final game of the tournament ready to win the title. Though it was a tough loss, fans walked out of The Kennel with their heads held high.

Four hundred students lined up outside the McCarthey Athletic Center before 5 p.m. Monday. They were hooting and hollering before the game even started. When they got inside, it got even louder.

Students brought good vibes from afar, though the energy started to dwindle as the game clock got closer to the end. However, fans still held out hope.

“I think it’s just the Zag mentality,” said Hailey Mueller, a Gonzaga student. “Zags help Zags. Great mentality and we’re just proud to be Zags.”

When the game was over, The Kennel got quiet. Walking out, students felt defeated — something they didn’t expect.

“It’s disappointing for sure,” said GU student Jordan Corder. “It does suck a lot, but at the end of the day, I think we all should be very proud.”

Other students echoed the feeling.

“The Zags came out. They gave it their best. They gave it their all,” said Steven Mamolo. “They did what they could, but I mean, Baylor was a great team and they played well tonight. They played like a champion team.”

Regardless of Monday night’s outcome, the Zags still have a reason to be proud of their team.

“We love you guys,” said Jenna Mathews, a GU student. “You work so hard and we’re so thankful for your hard work and dedication to being a Zag. We love it.”

As far as next year? Well, students are confident that the Zags will make another March Madness appearance.

“We’ve been to the past, what six or seven Sweet Sixteens?” said student Jacob Corder. “We’re going to come back. We’re going to come back to that.”

Students could be heard cheering outside The Kennel, even after the loss. It just shows the love Spokane has for this incredible team and how proud we are of their journey.