SMU lost to UCLA Thursday afternoon by a devastating one point. Whether you blame poor playing in the first half or that questionable goal tending call in the last few seconds, you’re probably mourning the loss of our team’s chance at NCAA triumph.

But before tragedy struck, the atmosphere at the Barley House watch party was on fire. The venue was filled to the brim with fans clad in school colors. During the team’s brief comeback in the second half, fans shouted and jumped with beers in hand. They chanted, “S-M-U,” and, “Defense,” during lulls in the game.

Senior and Student Body Vice President Monica Finnegan is grateful for the change she’s seen in school spirit during her time on the Hilltop.

“Comparing our school spirit levels to four years ago when I was just a freshman, it’s awesome to rally behind Larry and the team,” said Finnegan. “Seeing people wanting to go to games, wearing T-shirts, saying pony up, valuing SMU, it really brings the community together.”

For senior accounting major Liz Crowell, this kind of school pride is what she’s been looking for in a college experience.

“It’s very much the quintessential college bar experience,” she said. “It makes me proud to be a Mustang. This is why you come to college.”