Despite senior outfielder Jessica Bracamonte scoring MSU’s first run in the opening inning of the first game, the Spartans were held to one run as Iowa took a 5-1 lead at the end of the second.

In the third, junior catcher Brett Williams smacked a two-run homer after senior shortstop Lindsey Hansen walked. Finishing the game scoreless, freshman pitcher Cassee Layne moved to 8-11 on the season.

In a similar start, MSU opened the second game falling behind, 6-2, at the end of the second inning. In the top of the third, the Spartans responded with two runs.

By the end of the fifth, the Spartans gained some momentum when junior second baseman Ali Grant knocked down a home run to send senior pinch hitter Karen Fox home from second.

Sophomore third baseman finished off MSU’s scoring for the inning with a home run to center field. However, Iowa responded with two runs to close the fifth inning at 9-7.

In the Spartans last chance to get the win, Williams opened the inning with a homer, but MSU couldn’t get any more. Layne finished the weekend moving to an 8-12 record.

The Spartans continue on the road Wednesday, when they take on Northwestern for a double-header in Evanston, Ill.