Freshman right-hander Carsyn Cassady got the start for MSU in what head coach Sharonda McDonald-Kelley called a rotation-based pitching approach. In 2.2 innings, Cassady struck out four, allowed four hits and gave up just one earned run on 53 pitches.

Cassady started strong, striking out two batters in the top of the first. The Spartans capitalized early, as junior catcher Hannah Hawley launched a leadoff solo home run to right field to give MSU a 1-0 lead.

"I thought (Cassady) looked good from the start," McDonald-Kelley said postgame. "I thought she did a really nice job throwing her change up for a strike early, it really kept them off balance."

MSU held its narrow lead through the second, but Notre Dame broke through in the third. Sophomore shortstop Addison Amaral ripped a double to center field, bringing home senior left fielder Emily Tran and freshman third baseman Caroline O’Brien to give the Irish a 2-1 lead.

MSU responded in the bottom of the third, as sophomore shortstop Payton Conroy launched a solo home run to right-center — her fourth hit of the season — to tie the game at 2-2.

The turning point came in the fourth inning — this time in Notre Dame’s favor.

Freshman designated player Rebecca Eckart led off the fourth with a single to center that was misplayed by junior center fielder Sydney Doloszycki, allowing Eckart to advance to third. The hit and error brought home pinch runner Micaela Kastor from first, giving Notre Dame a 3-2 lead. MSU then replaced senior pitcher Madison Taylor with senior Faith Guidry, but the Irish tacked on another run off an infield error, bringing home Eckart to extend the lead to 4-2.

The Spartans showed signs of a rally in the bottom of the fourth. Down 4-2, sophomore left fielder Kendall Smiley drove a single through the right side to score pinch runner Hailey Bila. But MSU couldn’t build on the momentum, leaving the inning trailing 4-3.

From that point forward, the Irish took control, holding the Spartans scoreless the rest of the way. Notre Dame’s fourth-inning surge proved to be the difference.

"I challenged the team before the game to come out and really compete after the tough loss on Sunday," McDonald-Kelley said. "I was glad to see them come out and compete. We made a few too many errors that hurt us a little bit, but I thought we pitched well."

The Spartans will begin a three-game home series against Big Ten opponent Washington on Friday, April 18.