Let’s let our emotions get in the way of politics

Isabel Olesinski bridgend

m any will say that with 2022 finally behind us, we have an opportunity to start anew and forget about the past; to move on and ignore the years of political tension on n otre d ame’s campus that accurately reflect the larger-scale crises in the United s tates. s o, how do we move forward without disregarding all previous conflicts? The answer is discussion. This might seem simple since we’re told to “just talk to one another” or, if all else fails, to ignore and alienate. We often get emotional, defensive about what we stand for because “how could someone not see that I’m clearly right?” We are human, after all, and, whether we like it or not, feelings are a part of our decision-making process; so instead of ignoring them, let’s consider our empathy as a common ground that we can stand on together. Political views and morals are so closely intertwined that there is no use pretending that a person can be totally apolitical. The inseparability is especially prevalent at n otre d ame, where around 80% of the student population identifies as c atholic, and the university houses the largest pro-life student group in the nation, r ight to Life. m ost universities in the U. s . might feel overwhelmingly liberal, but because of the nature of n otre d ame’s students, there’s more of a balance between right-leaning and left-leaning perspectives. Thus, there is more diversity regarding political ideologies and, consequently, more infighting between people of varying views. s tudents at a university like n otre d ame have a special opportunity to interact directly with people of very different views, whom they might not have encountered before. Instead of branding someone as a specific type of person due to a one-worded answer about their political party, take the opportunity to learn why others hold the views that they do. The goal isn’t to make the other person “switch sides,” but rather for you both to interact with people with whom you might vehemently disagree. In the end, you might end up strengthening your own political stance or questioning your views, but you will always become more educated in some form or another. r egardless, there is no obligation to tolerate someone who has discriminatory or harmful ideologies. Attacks on marginalized groups and people are unacceptable even when hiding behind the curtain of politics and free speech. There is a difference between trading viewpoints and offering reasonable, noninflammatory explanations and simply using a conversation as an opportunity to elicit an emotional reaction through buzzwords. This doesn’t mean that complex or controversial dialogues should be avoided, but, as with all conversations involving conflicting viewpoints, those involved must take steps to have a productive meeting. Interestingly, this consists of focusing more on your emotional reason for your views rather than spitting back statistics. h umans are naturally empathetic, and we can understand one another better by showing why something is worth getting defensive over, why something is meaningful to us. As we start our second semester of the school year, let’s continue moving forward as a community. Liz Joyner, the founder and ceo of a nonpartisan public educational forum named v illage s quare, writes that “facts and figures rarely persuade” and recommends “appealing to [others’] better angels rather than their inner statistician.” Former psychiatrist and the founder of s mart Politics Karin Tamerius also adds that the way to establish a connection with someone with contrasting opinions is “usually around things like values and goals and emotions” since that’s how we “find commonalities” and build a trusting relationship that allows us to hold those difficult conversations.

In the U. s . government, there is an expectation of being utterly loyal to one’s political party, limiting the possibilities of working with the other party because of constant aggression between members; at least, that’s what the headlines show. h ot-button issues like abortion and guns are shown as blackand-white: you’re either for or against, and you identify as either r epublican or d emocrat based on that decision. b ut last month, members of c ongress exemplified bipartisanship through the advancement of federal workforce benefits, which leads the country closer to a “modern, customer-focused government” that is better for all people. The people who took on this challenge of repairing the government from the base might not get interviews on news channels like those speaking on the more controversial idea of free healthcare. s till, their work is often more meaningful since instead of constantly fighting on the same issues, they’ve found a way to move past and focus on what’s more important: our country’s future.

I encourage you to have a conversation this week with someone of a different notch on the political spectrum. It can be a friend, a family member, an arch-nemesis... s it down, talk about your day, your interests: find your common ground. Then mention one of your morals and find similarities, ask questions and most importantly, keep your mind and heart open. If you want to learn more or have a diverse environment to do so in, no matter your political party or knowledge of current affairs, I encourage you to join us at a b ridge nd meeting. We begin on Jan. 23 and meet every two weeks in d uncan s tudent c enter m eeting r oom 1 s outh W106. We welcome all, so I hope to see you there. o nly when we learn from all perspectives can we become well-rounded and educated citizens. Let’s create a generation that works together, instead of against each other.

Isabel Olesinski is a junior double-majoring in political science and English with a minor in constitutional studies and a creative writing concentration. Heralding from downtown Chicago, she currently resides in Johnson Family Hall. Isabel serves as the president of BridgeND.

BridgeND is a multi-partisan political club committed to bridging the partisan divide through respectful and productive discourse. It meets bi-weekly on Mondays at 7 p.m. in Duncan Student Center meeting room 1, south W106 to learn about and discuss current political issues and can be reached at bridgend@nd.edu or on Twitter @bridge_ND.

The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.

By CLAIRE LYONS

Associate scene editor

In 2018, friends Julien baker, Lucy dacus and Phoebe bridgers sat down in the recording studio and started spitballing ideas. Their debut eP, “boygenius,” was met with critical acclaim for both songwriting and sonic cohesion.

The self-titled debut album might ring some bells for people who have been paying attention to the music industry, but you’re more likely to recognize the band from the members’ solo careers. Individually, they’ve found massive success: baker with nearly half a million listeners on spotify, dacus with two new studio albums and bridgers with a couple of Grammy nominations.

now, the band is back together and better than ever.

boygenius’ first full-length project, “The record,” is coming out on mar. 31. To tease the upcoming release, the band has released three singles featuring each of the women in the band.

“$20” is Julien baker’s song. As the beating heart of the band, it’s only fitting that “$20” is grounded by a steady drumbeat and rock-inspired guitar riff. At its simplest, it’s a song about running away; at its best, it’s a song about escapism despite how self-destructive it might be. It’s a breakup and damn the consequences. The obstacles are stacked against the protagonist. It’s a bad idea. The chevy’s on cinder blocks. baker is running out of gas, out of time and out of money. The songwriting is as vivid as ever, and the production quality — the swirling and chaotic harmonies toward the end — add a cinematic edge to the song. When I listen to “$20,” I imagine a desolated gas station in the desert. I imagine flooring it in a convertible with nothing but an open road in front of me. I imagine putting on a cool pair of shades and leaving my problems behind me like an empty 7-11 slushy cup. (It’s my favorite.)

“emily I’m sorry” is Phoebe bridgers’ song. It was written as a demo right after the release of her second solo studio album, “Punisher,” and it shows. bridgers brings the eP right back to center with a stripped-back track that draws all attention to her soft, lilting voice. It’s classic boygenius. bridgers takes baker’s song and puts her own twist on it. she writes a road trip, but it feels like a drive back home instead of manic escapism. It’s about a codependent relationship that bridgers must take the courage to end. As she quietly sings “I can feel myself becoming / someone only you could want,” the verse slowly turns into “I can feel myself becoming / somebody I’m not, I’m not.” This song is a quiet realization that she’s lost herself in her relationship. It’s a pensive moment: she’s driving as emily quietly sleeps in the backseat. It’s like cruising down city streets late at night and all the lights start to blur together because you’re getting a little emotional. It feels like the lump in your throat in the aftermath of an argument and right before an apology.

“True blue” is Lucy dacus’ song. It brings some of the energy back, blending the delicate and thoughtful nature of bridgers with the energy and punchiness of baker. Unlike bridgers and baker, “True blue” is about a healthy relationship. she gives her partner space to figure themselves out, even if they don’t know who they are yet. When they do, she’s there for them: “It feels so good to be known so well / I can’t hide from you like I hide from myself / I remember who I am when I’m with you.” It’s a portrait of domestic bliss. It’s moving in together and fixing leaky faucets and calling each other on the train home from work. It’s about letting arguments be water under the bridge and letting love be the bridge. but these are just the singles. right now, “The record” is just an eP and there’s no telling how the LP is going to come together. based on this collection, I’m not entirely sure if boygenius is on the same wavelength. baker’s song is the strongest of the three but makes a stylistic departure from boygenius’ previously gentle discography. despite the hot-and-cold metaphors scattered throughout the three singles (“arsonists” in “$20,” “burn out in the freezing cold” in “emily I’m sorry,” and “you’re a winter bitch / but summer’s in your blood” in “True blue”) and themes of knowing and being known, I have no idea what the album is going to be about.

I have high hopes. I know the band, at least, is united by a dedication to incredible songwriting. The teasers from “The record” are no exception.

Contact Claire Lyons at clyons3@nd.edu

By AYDEN KOWALSKI scene Writer

The first generation of soundcloud rappers, the revolutionaries who defined rap for a generation in the mid2010s, is growing up now. 21 savage has discovered a unique macabre humor and a powerful poeticism; denzel curry achieved mastery of the mic on last year’s “melt my eyez, see Your Future”, which is an album defying genres and eras in its soundscape. Lil Yachty stood among them, once, though such an ascent seemed unlikely at his peak of popularity. There did not seem to be an undercover philosopher on “ispy,” “minnesota” or “broccoli.” Few would have assumed he would remain musically relevant in 2023. certainly, no one could have guessed that he would release an instantly classic prog rock song to set off the year.

“Let’s start here.” is an almost incomprehensible artistic reinvention and an extremely impressive body of work. The opening track, “the bLAcK seminole.,” is a seven-minute epic featuring multiple movements. Yachty’s auto-tuned singing is blurry, dripping all over the track, yet still transportive, drawing the listener into this odyssey. The song turns from a chugging rock piece with sparkling synthesizer passages to an ethereal sea of sound, synths whirring and shooting off into space, before, at about the five-minute mark, vocalist diana Gordon parts the mist with an ecstatic, wordless solo, moving between tempos and modulating from a soft coo to an incensed scream. It is the best song of the album and an utterly fantastic piece of music that should remain in rotation through the decade’s end.

The album’s greatest strength is its songwriting and production, which eclipses Lil Yachty’s faults as a singer. “shouLd i b?” sets a chorus fit for the Weeknd over crushing drums and gorgeous synths that compose a slightly grittier soundscape. over this bright yet yearning beat, Yachty finds a vulnerability in his computerized tones. he makes similar magic on “sAy someThIng,” his earnestness and passion meet his description of “feeling like a teen again.” he calls out from the right of the stereo as a crunched, twinkling beat processes on, and the whole piece coalesces as an ode to innocent and overwhelming emotions. The bliss and transience produced by the swooning synthesizers of “W e sAW The sUn!” brings the listener into the psychedelic love story of the lyrics, capturing the bittersweet experience of enjoying a relationship that will not last. The album envelops its listeners, bringing them along for Yachty’s high, which is intrinsically bound to a fresh-eyed experience of love. of course, there is some fun to be had; “preTTy” is the closest song to Yachty’s older, nonchalant trap, reprising the warbly Auto-Tune of his 2022 viral hit “Poland.” There are weaker songs, mostly within the album’s first half, and these are the tracks that lack the songwriting spark of the highlights.

Yachty also shows excellent taste in his placement of guest vocalists. diana Gordon returns on “drive me crazy!” for an incredible performance of the first verse, haunting, playful and enticing all throughout. Fousheé plays along with Yachty on “preTTy,” adopting a trap-influenced melody, and performs perhaps the album’s best lyrics on the melancholy second part of “The Alchemist.,” conveying a yearning that is hard to contain in just one wordless burst of unresolved melody. And daniel caesar slinks through the nightmarish first half of “reAch The sUnshIne.,” another ambitious highlight, his crinkled voice is beautiful and searching.

The kids who turned rap on its head have grown up now. Lil Yachty says as much in the intro: “The kid is now a man.” The simple joy of his earlier work has now matured into the paranoid euphoria of his romantic experiences, which are simultaneously uplifting and haunting. There’s truly no telling what’s next for the revolutionary. “Let’s start here.” indeed.

Contact Ayden Kowalski at akowals2@nd.edu

“Let’s Start Here”

Artist: Lil Yachty

Favorite tracks: “the BLACK seminole.,” “sHouLd i B?,” “REACH THE SUNSHINE”

By ANGELA MATHEW manager of Talent & Inclusion

Iranian auteur Jafar Panahi’s latest film “no bears” is an exploration of life under Iran’s authoritarian government. Like a lot of Panahi’s recent work, it has been shaped by his experiences with the government that has censored his art and placed him under house arrest. since July 2022, he has been in Tehran’s notorious evin Prison for standing in solidarity with two other Iranian filmmakers who spoke out against the government for their violent crackdown on protestors. Panahi was released on bail just three days ago after he went on a hunger strike.

The thread of the film that I found most interesting was the story of Zara and bakhtiar, a couple who had been spending time in Turkey after facing arrest and torture in Iran. Zara gets a chance to escape to France using a smuggled passport. however, she would have to go alone, as bakhtiar did not get the documents that would allow him to leave the country. At first, Panahi has the audience thinking that these are two characters in a fictional narrative, but then he breaks the fourth wall. Panahi himself has fled to the Iran-Turkey border to get away from government scrutiny. he is directing Zara and bakhtiar for a film project over Zoom since it’s unsafe to work with them in person considering the government’s disapproval of the films he makes. While Zara and bakhtiar are being filmed for Panahi’s project, the story isn’t fictional — Panahi is filming them in real-time as they make the difficult decision to flee Turkey, even if that means they will be separated.

The other thread of the film is dedicated to showing the audience life in rural Iran, where Panahi tries to lay low a border town. As Panahi bides his time, he takes photos of people and gets his landlord to film unique customs in the village. These photos become the talk of the town, as Panahi photographs a girl and a boy together where the girl in question was arranged to marry another man. Panahi gets dragged into arguments though he barely remembers taking the photos. The scenes raise important questions about how the camera tells the truth and how it can threaten established customs. The ideas surrounding the repression of women and superstitions in the village, along with the villagers’ fear of the camera and of tangible proof, seemed symbolic of how the Iranian government is afraid of its realities being exposed to the world through things like Panahi’s dissenting films.

I had been anticipating this film for a while after hearing and learning more about Panahi’s arrest. however, even with some context on Panahi’s career, I found the film meandering to fully understand and appreciate. It must be my steady diet of more commercial films, but I kept waiting for something to happen. even at the end when the drama came to its head, with the villagers finding out that the unfavorable couple had eloped and Zara and bakhtiar finally making a decision on whether to flee, the film felt strangely anticlimactic. I appreciated Panahi’s other meta-films like “Taxi” (2015) more, where Panahi pretends to be a taxi driver in Tehran and films conversations he has with citizens to tell a story about the political landscape of Iran.

Contact Angela Mathew at amathew3@nd.edu

“No Bears”

Director: Jafar Panahi

Starring: Mina Kavani, Jafar Panahi, Nasser Hashemi

If you like: “Taxi,” “This is Not a Film,” “Hit the Road”

By MARCELLE COUTO scene Writer

I believe all lovers of music, whenever they make the time for it, are open to experimenting with new genres and appreciating various styles of music (perhaps humanity’s most magical invention). Therefore, I will argue that you, as a dutiful fan of music, should dive into the marvelous world of the “baroque” next. At least, you should try. I am fairly certain it will be a worthy pursuit.

The term “baroque” comes from the Portuguese word “barroco,” meaning “oddly shaped pearl.” The baroque period in Western music lasted roughly 150 years, from 1600 to 1750. some of the more distinct and unique elements of baroque style as opposed to other eras of music are its gracefulness, the matter of interpretation, elegance, complexity and pathos. These elements make baroque music an incredibly rich and rewarding listening experience that has much to offer for those who take the time to explore it.

In many ways, the music of this period reflects the historical trends of the seventeenth century, including its political, sociological and philosophical revolutions. baroque style is characterized by fluidity, with melodies that seem to effortlessly merge from one phrase to the next. The use of ornamental figures such as trills (a form of trembling distinct from mere vibrato), mordents (an embellishment featuring a quick descending note) and turns (a similar, ascending ornament), which are added to the principal melody, provide a sense of naturality. The gracefulness of the music creates a sense of ease and lightness, helping the listener to fully immerse themselves in the music. It is almost as if the music itself is dancing and flowing as water from a stream. It is invariably elegant, and its musical constitution creates a sense of refinement and sophistication. The listener is enveloped in the world of embellished artistry and materialism of the seventeenth century. music is truly a window into the past, and listening to it can give one a glimpse into the worldviews and values of the people who created it. many composers wrote music for the courts of kings and queens, and the harmony often reflects this grandeur and splendor. music was written for specific occasions and performances, often with a precise goal in mind. This resulted in a level of purity and elegance in the notes that is not found in later music. For instance, in a fugue, each voice has a specific role that is strictly adhered to, and there is a sense of order and balance that is lacking in later works. In addition, baroque music is often written in a style that is clear and easy to understand, without the dense harmonies and chromaticism that characterize later music. This ensures that the music is accessible to all listeners, regardless of their level of musical knowledge.

Another important aspect of baroque music is its emotional power. one of my favorite poets, William Wordsworth, wrote in his famous “Tintern Abbey,” that he could sometimes hear the “still, sad music of humanity” whenever he visited the sequestered, beautiful groves around the abbey. I believe the same “still, sad music” is often evoked by the baroque canon. The music is often highly expressive, with soaring melodies and intricate harmonies that can evoke feelings of joy, sorrow and everything in between. The powerful and intricate chord progressions in baroque music can be almost tasted, it can be quite an immersive experience to focus attentively on the function of the chords themselves. many people find listening to baroque music is a form of meditation, reducing stress and anxiety. due to its ornateness, it can be challenging to listen to, and consequentially, it stimulates attention and provokes the formation of neural pathways in brain regions associated with language and memory. The emotional expressiveness of baroque music can help to soothe the soul and bring a sense of peace and tranquility. Take the principal melody in Johann sebastian bach’s sacred aria from “st. matthew Passion,” “mache dich mein herze, rein” (make yourself pure, my heart). It is a tune of repentance sung by Joseph of Arimathea, a rich man who assumed the task of burying Jesus shortly after his death. The piece is practically begging the listener to dance along to its glorious rhythm. bach parses out “..for from now on he shall have in me, forever and ever, his sweet rest,” longingly and mellifluously, while the stark resolution to let the “world” out and “let Jesus in!” is brief and definitive. bach takes a simple, elegant theme and modifies it in a myriad of creative ways, provoking an aspect of mystery and surprise to the resignation expressed through the text. because of the way music notation developed given the ancient character of baroque music, it possesses an added layer of subjective interpretation, whereby performers may decide to develop their own twist, or rendition of, a particular piece. This allows for creativity and spontaneity in the performance, making each one unique.

Read the remainder of the story at ndsmcobserver.com

Contact Marcelle Couto at mcouto@nd.edu

Happy Birthday: Planning pays off this year. A regimented routine will help deter others from messing up your schedule or interfering with your goals. high energy, precision and paying attention to detail will help you mark your place and position yourself for success. l et those you love do as they please, and you’ll receive the same privilege. Practice peace and love. your numbers are 9, 14, 18, 26, 34, 42, 47.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): A financial opportunity is within reach. refuse to let someone bump you out of position and reap the rewards that belong to you. Truth and honesty are the cornerstones for growth, stability and reaching your destination with pride and honor.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Success is dependent on following through with a well-thought-out plan. Nothing will change in your favor unless you make an effort. Stop waiting and start doing, and you’ll see the possibilities. Do whatever will benefit you most, and don’t look back.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Stay focused on what you are responsible for, and do your best to get ahead. refuse to let anyone waste your time or ask for favors. Don’t lend or borrow when working and saving are necessary.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Share ideas, set up a meeting with someone heading in a similar direction and do your best to make a good impression. The help you receive will bring your plans to fruition. An interview or presentation will go your way.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Talks will turn into something tangible. l isten and add your perspective, and an opportunity will sprout. Don’t take anyone’s word as gospel; check facts and figures, do the work yourself and take a leadership role to ensure things go according to plan.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): l isten, but verify what you hear before passing the information along. If you protect against loss and lies, you will save money, dignity and self-esteem. Overlook loved ones’ defects; offer positive input and help turn an emotional dilemma into a good time.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Take precautions, ensure everything is safe and put your mind at ease. A day trip or meeting with someone can quickly run amok if expectations are too high or you take on too much. A selfimprovement project will lift your spirits.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): g et organized. Demands will bring you down, but following your heart will pick you up. Clear the path by taking care of business fast and efficiently and move on to something you find enjoyable. romance will enhance your life and bring you hope.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Balance and integrity will help you get ahead. Set high standards and goals that will make you proud and give you hope for a brighter future. Eliminate drama and people who leave you feeling down in the dumps; replace them with positive reinforcements.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Put your thinking cap on and you’ll find a way to help others and get something in return. l et your experience guide you to a brighter future, and don’t be afraid to challenge anyone who stands in your way. Push forward.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Explore the possibilities. reaching out to people who offer a different perspective or way of doing things will give you the push you need to finish what you start. Stand behind your word and you’ll gain respect and support.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Don’t hide the past or live a lie. face the truth and navigate your way to a better life and connections that won’t disappoint you. your insight will clarify what you want, what’s possible and how best to get your way.

Birthday Baby: you are confident, persuasive and adaptable. you are worldly and intent.

America, and she was named to the Team Us A c ollegiate s oftball Player of the Year Top 50 Watch List. Gaskins comes off a campaign in which she hit for an Acc -high .428 batting average and earned a school-record .555 on-base percentage. her 13 home runs paced the Irish and accounted for a solid chunk of her teamleading 61 rbIs.

“she’s just such a great hitter — and a lot of people talk about her power — but she’s able to hit a variety of pitches and she does a great job of being more of a complete hitter than just the power game,” Gumpf said. “I think the great thing that Karina can really depend on is the fact that she has a lot of really good hitters around her, so I think she can take a little pressure off of herself.” o ne of those strong hitters is graduate infielder Lexi o rozco, an off-season transfer from Utah state. o perating as a primary shortstop, she broke or tied Aggie career records in runs batted in (138), slugging percentage (.631) and home runs (39). Last year, she hit .354 with 13 doubles, 12 round-trippers and 46 rbI. s enior outfielder Leea h anks, whom Gumpf described as the “complete package,” is another key returner. Last year’s All-Acc s econdTeamer did a whole lot of everything on the diamond. her 14 doubles and five triples led the team, as did her seven outfield assists. she also cracked six homers and swiped 13 bases.

“Leea is probably one that flies under the radar more than she should,” Gumpf said. “ s he’s got speed and power, she makes things happen, she hits good pitches really well, and she’s a great leader for us.”

With All-Acc selections e mma c lark and Abby s weet moving on, Gumpf expects juniors catcher and outfielder c arlli Kloss and infielder Joley m itchell to have increased roles. Kloss hit .411 in 35 games last year, finishing the season on a six-game hitting streak. meanwhile, m itchell garnered an n Fc A m id-Atlantic

All-region selection. s he hit .340 with nine doubles, five homers and 25 rbI, while also belting a pair of long balls in the e vanston regional.

The Irish are set up for success in the pitching circle as well. They return All-Acc selections in graduate student Payton Tidd and sophomore shannon b ecker for 2023. Tidd worked a team-high 130.2 innings last year, winning 15 games with a 2.79 er A and 97 strikeouts. she picked up victories over L s U, northwestern and d uke, three of the top 20 teams in the nation. b ehind her, b ecker demonstrated major potential in her freshman season. she tossed 90 innings at a 1.71 er A, with six complete games among her 10-4 record.

“Payton understands what it takes to be really successful at this level. s he’s won huge games for us,” Gumpf said. “We started putting [ shannon] into the fire a little bit last year, but now she’s gonna be taking the ball all the time. Those two, with the experience they’ve had, are huge for our pitching staff.” notre dame also has two freshmen pitchers from c alifornia entering the program. m icaela Kastor, out of o aks c hristian h igh s chool, posted a 0.90 er A for her high school career. With 256 senior season strikeouts, she took home 2022 c alifornia Gatorade Player of the Year honors. Paige c owley, from Upland h igh s chool, punched out 528 hitters during her career. With hopes of a 24th consecutive nc AA tournament appearance, the Irish face a loaded schedule. After this weekend’s kickoff games, notre dame will face ohio state and no. 7 northwestern in the big Ten/Acc c hallenge. The highly-ranked Wildcats came out of nd’s regional last year, ultimately reaching the Women’s c ollege World s eries. To open Acc play, the Irish will visit no. 22 d uke during the first weekend of m arch. After hosting m iami ( ohio) in the m arch 21 home opener, notre dame will have two great looks at top conference opponents. no. 13 v irginia Tech will travel to melissa c ook stadium in midApril, followed by a visit from no. 4 Florida state to close the month. notre d ame will have the benefit of hosting the Acc tournament from m ay 10-13 as well. The Irish were 15-1 in s outh b end last year. d espite constant regular season success, the Irish have never survived the national tournament’s first round under Gumpf. she believes that this year’s squad, with the help of stable play, can break through.

“We have what it takes,” Gumpf said. “We’re big playmakers, we have girls who can do some serious damage, but it’s about consistency.” notre dame will play a doubleheader on Friday night.

First, the Irish take on Arizona state at 7:30 p.m. e T and s an d iego state at 10 p.m. e T. The second game will be available on the mountain West network. The Irish will then face cs U n, northern Illinois and memphis before moving on to c lemson to play o hio state and northwestern twice apiece in the big Ten/Acc c hallenge.

Contact Tyler Reidy at treidy3@nd.edu