Down 2-1, the Spartans (21-11 overall, 10-10 Big Ten) rallied and forced game five, but couldn’t take advantage of a 7-3 lead en route to falling to Purdue (20-11 overall, 11-9 Big Ten).

Senior outside hitter Lauren Wicinski led MSU with 21 kills, 13 digs, and three blocks, giving her a double-double in the last two regular season games. Senior middle blocker Alexis Mathews had 11 kills and eight blocks, and senior outside hitter Kelsey Kuipers had a season-high eight kills and five blocks.

MSU took a 7-3 lead at the beginning of the first set and never let the lead go. The Boilers would score two-straight to cut the lad to two, but MSU went on off 11-5 run to increase the lead to 18-10.

Purdue trimmed the lead to six, going on a run to make the score 23-17. The Spartans took two of the next four points to win the first set, 25-19.

MSU led much of the second set until the Boilers took control late in the game, taking a 17-16 lead after a kill by Katie Griffin. The six-point run gave Purdue a 21-16 lead.

The Spartans picked up the offensive pace towards the end of the set, but Purdue matched each point to win the set, 25-20.

Purdue remained in control during set three, as early errors committed by MSU helped the Boilers take a 13-8 lead. Both teams went point-for-point until Purdue went on a 6-2 run to begin to close out the set with a 22-16 lead. MSU went on another late rally, but ultimately fell, 25-22.

MSU bounced back to take the fourth set, 25-22. Purdue kept it close early, but MSU scored four-straight to turn a 10-9 lead into a 14-9 advantage. MSU would score three of the next four points to increase the lead to 17-10, leading to a Purdue timeout.

Purdue went on a huge rally, outscoring MSU 9-3 to trim the lead to one, 20-19. But MSU held on, scoring five of the last eight to win, 25-22.

Tied 2-2, MSU needed a win in set five to close the season on a two-game winning streak. However, they failed to capitalize on a 7-3 lead midway through the set.

The Boilers rallied, going on a 7-2 run to take a 10-9 lead. MSU managed to tie the score at 13-13 and then at 14-14, sending the game into extra points. After denying the match several times, Purdue ultimately pulled through with an 18-16 win.

The Spartans finish the regular season by going 4-10 after starting the season 17-1. It’s certainly been a less-than-ideal finish to the season. But with the selection show set to take place Sunday at 9:30 p.m., the Spartans will hope the strong season start will play favorably into the seeding.