Madeira Beach, Fla. – Sunday's game started off great for the Robert Morris University softball team against Michigan State before quickly turning in a 13-2 loss in the team's final game at the Eastern Michigan Madeira Beach Invitational. The Colonials slip to 1-8 on the year while the Big 10 member Spartans improve to 7-2.
 
Jordan Gurganus went 2-for-3 and finished 9-of-15 (.600) for the weekend. Olivia Lorusso went big fly for the second time this weekend to account for the team's only runs. Briana Bunner, Natalie Higgins and Kristen Pray also accounted for base knocks.
 
Gurganus led off the game with a single through the right side. Two batters later, Lorusso sent a rocket shot over the left field fence staking RMU to a 2-0 lead.
 
That advantage quickly disappeared in the bottom of the frame. A double by Ebony Echols drove in a pair before Kelcey Carassco hit a three-run shot to center field to put the Spartans on top, 5-2.
 
Gurganus singled after Pray reached on an error with one out in the second. A walk to Lorusso, one of two drawn by her in the contest, loaded the bases for RMU. The Colonials couldn't take advantage, however, stranding all three runners.
 
An error by RMU led to an unearned run for Michigan State in the third inning before the Spartans exploded for seven scores in the fourth. The big blow came on a grand slam for Lea Foerster.
 
Madison Riggle took the loss for Robert Morris. She was charged with 10 runs, nine earned, in 3.0 innings of work. Lacee Collins worked one inning and was charged with three runs.
 
The Colonials return to the diamond Friday, Feb. 24, when they oppose Fairfield and host UNC Charlotte in the Green & White Tournament in Charlotte, N.C.