Late-Inning Power Surge Lifts Michigan State Over Villanova in Queen City Classic Thriller
In a game that had a little bit of everything-power, poise, and pressure-the Michigan State Spartans leaned on a late offensive surge and clutch pitching to edge out Villanova, 9-8, on Day 2 of the Queen City Classic in Charlotte. With the win, MSU improves to 6-2 on the season and continues to gain national attention, receiving votes in all four major polls this week.
This one was a rollercoaster. Momentum swung back and forth, but when the Spartans needed big hits and big outs, they delivered.
Everyone Gets In on the Action
When every starter in your lineup records a hit, odds are you're going to be in a good spot. That’s exactly what happened for MSU.
The Spartans racked up 10 hits-seven of them for extra bases-and matched their season high in runs (9), RBI (9), and walks (5). They also set a new season best in hits, and the three long balls they launched tied their total from the first seven games combined.
Kirsten Caravaca was the only Spartan with multiple hits, going 2-for-3 with an RBI. She’s quietly putting together a strong weekend, notching her second multi-hit performance after a 2-for-3 outing against Virginia Tech.
Hannah Hawley, Sophia Grillo, and Britain Beshears each went yard, showcasing the kind of power that can change a game in a hurry. For Hawley and Beshears, it was a milestone moment-each now sits at 26 career home runs, tied for fifth all-time in MSU history. That’s not just consistency; that’s legacy-building stuff.
Freshman Zoie Bernard added a triple-her third of the season-and continues to flash the kind of speed and pop that makes her a dangerous presence in the lineup.
Clutch Arms in the Circle
It wasn’t a perfect day on the mound, but it didn’t have to be. MSU got what it needed when it mattered.
Jacey Schuler stepped in during a high-leverage moment in the third and gave the Spartans 3.1 solid innings, striking out five and walking two to earn the win. She kept the game within reach, even after giving up a grand slam in the fifth that briefly put Villanova on top.
Enter Carsyn Cassady, who slammed the door in the seventh after the Wildcats made it a one-run game with a homer. Cassady responded with two strikeouts and a flyout to secure her second save of the season-and her second of the weekend. That’s the kind of poise under pressure that coaches love to see.
How It All Unfolded
MSU got on the board early in the second inning. After a walk and a double, Kendall Smiley brought home the first run with a base hit. Though Caravaca was thrown out at home on a double steal attempt, Zoie Bernard made up for it with a triple to right-center that scored Smiley, giving the Spartans a 2-0 lead.
Villanova answered in the top of the third with a string of singles to tie it up, but MSU came right back in the bottom half. Hannah Hawley led off with a solo shot to left, Beshears drew a walk, and Grillo followed with a two-run blast to give MSU a 5-2 edge.
The Wildcats weren’t done, though. A grand slam in the fifth flipped the scoreboard again, putting Villanova up 6-5.
But MSU didn’t blink. A double from Hannah Greer and a single from Caravaca tied things up at 6-6 in the bottom half of the inning.
In the sixth, the Spartans kept their foot on the gas. Payton Conroy opened with a double, Bernard walked, and a wild pitch moved both into scoring position. Sydney Doloszycki and Hawley delivered back-to-back sac flies to make it 8-6, and Beshears capped the frame with a solo homer to left-her second of the season-to extend the lead to 9-6.
Villanova made one last push with a two-run homer in the seventh, but Cassady shut the door with ice in her veins.
What’s Next
The Spartans don’t get much time to celebrate. They’re back in action later today with a 5:30 p.m. matchup against tournament host Charlotte. But if this game is any indication, Michigan State’s blend of power, depth, and resilience is going to make them a tough out all season long.
This team isn’t just winning games-they’re learning how to win close ones. And that might be the most dangerous development of all.