MSU softball head coach Jacquie Joseph was hoping for a little more in her team's home opener Wednesday afternoon at Old College Field.

Instead, what she got was a lackluster performance in an 11-1 six-inning loss to Bowling Green.

The Spartans (18-14) struggled mightily with the top of Bowling Green's lineup, as the top five hitters went 13-for-17 with 10 RBIs and 11 runs scored.

Joseph said she "could only hope" that it was just an off game.

The Falcons (15-4) got off to a hot start, scoring three runs in the top of the first inning, while adding two more in the top of the second inning.

But the big blow came in the top of the fourth, when Bowling Green's Allison Vallas drilled a three-run home run over the right field fence to give the Falcons a commanding 8-0 lead.

MSU would get its lone run in the bottom of the inning off a RBI double from senior shortstop Meghan Darhower.

Bowling Green tacked on three more runs for good measure in the top of the sixth inning, including a towering home run from Jeanine Baca. And when the Spartans failed to get the score within seven runs, the game was called.

After the game, Joseph was visibly upset with her team.

"I think we never left the locker room," Joseph said. "I don't know why. We're 31 games into the season, and I don't know why they didn't leave the locker room."

Senior Rachel Turney took the loss, allowing 11 runs (eight earned) on 13 hits in six innings. She walked two and struck out four. Her record drops to 6-7 on the season.

Now, the Spartans have to regroup in time for a Sunday doubleheader at Northwestern.

"I intend to convince them that the game is the most important thing," Joseph said.

MSU's next home game will be April 6 against Ohio State.