A little bit of home cooking didn't do the MSU softball team any good Tuesday when it dropped a 2-1 nonconference contest to Western Michigan at Old College Field.

The loss extends the Spartans' winless streak to five games — their longest of the season.

"I can promise you that I'm trying every single thing I know to do," MSU head coach Jacquie Joseph said. "I'm trying new thing. I will leave no stone unturned, but I have not been successful yet."

Sophomore pitcher Lesley Noel gave up a home run to the first batter she faced — Broncos right fielder Katie Niemi — that would give Western Michigan an early 1-0 lead.

The Spartans (32-19 overall, 8-6 Big Ten) struggled to fight back with the bats all game long.

"Yes, we are injured. Yes, we have four starters out of the lineup. Yes, that's all true, but we are choosing to have a pity party rather than choosing to be tougher," Joseph said.

"That is just never going to be good enough at this level."

Leading 1-0 in the top of the second, Western Michigan (24-12, 11-3 MAC) catcher Becky Bartosz hit a two-out single to drive in another run and double the lead at 2-0.

An over-the-wall catch to rob a home run, a play to throw a runner out at home plate and a strikeout from Broncos pitcher Krysten Shumaker were enough to hold the Spartans scoreless through three.

"It was a blow," Joseph said. "Whenever you leave kids on base when you have opportunities to score it can bring you down if you're mentally weak — we are."

Freshman catcher Kara Weigle hit an RBI double in the bottom of the seventh to cut the deficit to one run, but the Spartans were never able to bring Weigle home to send the game to extra innings.

MSU recorded three hits while giving up seven.

Noel and Shumaker each pitched complete games. Noel (9-7) gave up seven hits and two earned runs, while Shumaker (13-4) gave up three hits and no earned runs.

The Spartans will try to get a win today at Central Michigan. Game time is 4 p.m.