SOUTH BEND, Ind. – It wasn’t how the seniors wanted to end their basketball career at Notre Dame, but the women’s basketball team lost to UConn in the Final Four game of the NCAA tournament.

The Irish lost 83-65.

Notre Dame ended their season 35-2. They are losing two important seniors Kaila Turner and Skylar Diggins but don't think the Irish success is over just yet.

After three trips to the Final Four, they still have not gotten a trophy.

"The fact that we've been to three Final Fours and haven't been able to convert to a championship it’s going to hurt but it’s motivation for next year,” said Natalie Achonwa, Irish forward.

There is always next year.

Next year’s leaders say they have learned from this year’s leaders.

"I  think that they kind of enforced for the juniors going to be seniors that you have to be willing to put the team on your back,” said Ariel Barker, Irish forward.

Others who will be back are the newest stand outs like freshman Jewell Lloyd.

"I'm using this as motivation. I'll be in the gym tonight and tomorrow getting better and working on my game,” said Lloyd.

For the freshman on this team, this is their first big loss in the national championship spotlight.