DURHAM, N.C. -- The Elon University softball team took on Michigan State for the second time this weekend at the Duke Invitational. The Phoenix fell to the Spartans 5-2.
 
McKenna McCard started in the circle for Elon and pitched the full game. She moves to 1-2 on the season. 
 
McCard started off hot with two strikeouts in the first. The matchup stood scoreless through the first three innings before the Spartans struck first with a solo home run in the bottom of the fourth. 
 
Elon was able to answer right back in the top of the fifth after Drew Menscer singled before Megan Grant answered with an RBI triple to tie things up. The Phoenix loaded the bases and Greta Hessenthaler added another run on a sacrifice fly to give Elon the lead 2-1.
 
In the bottom half of the inning, Michigan State put up another run of their own via a sacrifice fly. McCard was able to escape any more damage by forcing a swinging strikeout, her fifth of the day.
 
The Phoenix looked to score with two base runners on in the top of the seventh but was unable to bring them home.
 
The Spartans were able to close out the game with two runners on and just one out. Britain Beshears hit a three run homerun to end the game setting the final score at 5-2.
 
Menscer went 3-of-4 as Elon put up nine hits in the contest.

Elon will host No. 8 Duke later this afternoon to close out the tournament. Game time is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.