Duke junior forward Carina Lageyre broke the deadlock just before halftime in the 43rd minute with a curling effort into the top right corner after sustained pressure on MSU. The Blue Devils extended their lead early in the second half when Devin Lynch scrambled the ball into the net in the 54th minute, set up by a skillful run from sophomore midfielder Mia Oliaro on the right wing.

MSU head coach Jeff Hosler made two changes to his starting 11 from MSU's dramatic 3-2 overtime victory over Texas. Graduate midfielder Gabby Mueller replaced graduate midfielder Emily Mathews and sophomore defender Mimi Hallier came in for injured junior defender Sofia Beerworth. However, Duke’s possession-based play and midfield dominance made it difficult for MSU to build momentum or create clear chances.

Duke nearly opened the scoring earlier in the first half, hitting the woodwork in the 40th minute. MSU graduate goalkeeper Kaitlyn Parks delivered a standout performance, making key saves to keep the Spartans within striking distance, but the MSU attack struggled to find a breakthrough against Duke’s organized defense.

The Blue Devils controlled the game from start to finish, showcasing why they are the top-ranked team in the nation. Their midfield trio dictated the tempo, preventing MSU from gaining any foothold in possession. The Blue Devils’ relentless pressing forced losses of possession in key areas, leaving MSU struggling to connect passes or build attacks.

"Duke is just an incredible side, I thought they did a really good job from the start making us uncomfortable. Particularly in their counter press ... the game pressure that they put on you." Hosler said.

Defensively, Duke's backline nullified MSU’s attempts to find space, with the Spartans limited to brief moments of counter-attacking play. The Blue Devils’ complete control of the midfield left MSU without answers, highlighting the vast gap between the two sides Sunday night.

"To get back to the Sweet 16 in consecutive years in only our fourth year here ... we continue growth we show in our program and have a lot of debt to these players that just played their last game for us." Hosler said.

The Spartans’ 2024 season ends with pride after a historic run to the Sweet 16, a testament to the program's growth under Hosler’s leadership. For Duke, the journey toward an NCAA title continues.