From South Bend St. Joe to Notre Dame, it’s all winding down for Mishawaka native and area standout basketball player Melissa Lechlitner.

"I don't know where my high school four years went, and then I got here, and I was like 'maybe this will slow down,’” the Irish senior captain and point guard explained Tuesday night. “Here I am on senior night about to graduate and I have no idea where the time went."

To capture the moment--not only from Lech’s perspective but also from that of her parents---we put a microphone on Melissa’s dad Craig for senior night.

"We made it,” Craig said with a smile.

For Craig and his wife, Lori, they can’t believe the college career for their daughter is almost over either.

"It's gone so fast,” Lori explained. “It's really sad to see it come to an end."

Melissa’s sister Amanda flew up from Florida for the game. Amanda played at Southern Illinois and can appreciate what her sister has accomplished. The four stood in line, waiting to be introduced to the hometown crowd.

"Link arms with me daddy,” Melissa said as the family walked out onto the court to a big ovation.

Melissa then shared a big hug with coach Muffet McGraw. “I don’t want to get too emotional but I’m going to miss you so much,” Muffet whispered to Lech as they embraced.

Then Muffet shared a hug with dad.

"Maybe we can sign her for another year or two,” Craig joked. Muffet's responed, "I’d like to have her for four more."

The Lechlitners know they've had it good. While other parents drive hours, or even have to hop on planes to see their kids play, Craig and Lori travel just 12 miles.

"You almost take it for granted that the travel is nothing for us,” Craig explained. “It's just like going to St. Joe high school. That's been very special."

Melissa doesn't take it for granted. She always knows her parents are there.

"I look up at my mom and dad and they're always trying to whistle or do something ridiculous,” Melissa says with a big smile and laugh. "They're just so supportive and I couldn't ask for better parents."

They are very supportive--even when Melissa blatantly runs into an opposing player and commits a foul. "Foul on number 23 of the Irish. Melissa Lechlitner. Her first,” the PA announcer says over the loud speakers.

"She couldn't help it! She was pushed,” Craig belted out, jokingly trying to plead his case.

That was one of the only times dad had anything to complain about in the game. "Get down, alright!” Craig cheered as Melissa hit a three.

It turned out to be quite the senior night as Lech produced one of her best college performances ever.

"When in doubt, shoot,” dad yelled out with a laugh after Melissa hit another three-pointer. Known for the one to create the baskets, Melissa was scoring herself on this night. Number 23 pumped in a career high 23.

"This is better than having a nail biter for senior night,” Craig said to his wife just before the half.

The Irish cruised to the 17-point win over Marquette, snapping a 2-game losing streak. After the game, Melissa didn't sway from tradition. The hometown girl walked out and signed some autographs and shared some hugs with her fans.

"It's been a very proud moment seeing how she's handled it,” Craig explained proudly. “Just being sweet Melissa."

It’s been a pretty sweet career for Lech-- one that isn’t quite over.

Despite Tuesday having been Senior night, the Irish will still have some chances to play at home. Notre Dame hosts top-ranked and undefeated UConn on Monday and then could host up to two games in the NCAA Tournament. And of course, Melissa and company are hoping to make a long run through the Big Dance.

After that, Lech hopes to continue playing basketball next year in either the WNBA or Europe. And if it’s Europe, she’s already requested that her parents make the trip across the pond to see her play for a week or two.

I guess that will make up for all those short 12 mile trips to Purcell Pavilion.