EAST LANSING – Western Michigan softball battled back from a two-run deficit before falling 5-3 to Michigan State at Old College Field in East Lansing on Wednesday afternoon.

Lexi Jager was one of six Broncos to register a base hit, collecting a one-RBI triple to score WMU’s final run of the game.

After the Spartans jumped out to a two-run lead, off a double and a Bronco error, through three innings of play, Western Michigan evened the score in the top of the fourth.  Meredith Whitney recorded a base hit but was thrown out when Courtney Rousseau reached on a fielder’s choice.  Michelle Bendewald followed with a base hit to left field.  Starting pitcher Kayla Houston helped plate both runs, reaching base on an error by Jessica Bracamonte in centerfield.  Rousseau and Bendewald scored on the play.

Michigan State grabbed its two run lead back in the home half of the fourth, scoring again on a base hit and a Bronco error.  The Spartans added one more run in the bottom of the sixth when Mary Kate DiVirgilio sent a home run over the center field wall to lead off the frame.

Jager’s team-leading third triple of the season came in the top of the seventh.  After Jenn Tschetter recorded a two-out single to left field, Jager stepped to the plate and ripped a shot down the left field line on a 2-0 offering from Lauren Kramer.  Jager was stranded when Sarah Thomas struck out to end the comeback.

Also collecting hits for WMU on Wednesday were Gracie Barstad and Molly Lange.  Michigan State’s offensive effort was led by shortstop Lindsey Hansen’s 3-for-3, two-RBI performance.

Former Buchanan All-Stater Jayme O’Bryant, a freshman, was 0-for-3 for the Spartans.

Western Michigan will have eight days off before opening its Mid-American Conference season with a doubleheader against Buffalo on April 2.  The twinbill starts at 1 p.m., with the second game to follow one half hour after the completion of the first.