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OXFORD, Ohio ÃÆ'Æ'¢ÃÆ'¢'¬" Miami University's softball team only scored twice in their home opener, but they made the most of their scoring opportunities in a 7-2 victory over Eastern Kentucky University Tuesday evening in the hope opener at the Miami Softball Stadium.

In the top of the first, the Colonels' (6-10) first two batters reached base, but freshman starter Jaime Scher avoided damage with three quick outs. In the bottom half, the RedHawks (8-11) loaded the bases through an error and hit-by-pitch, but a fielder's choice ended the inning without scoring.

EKU grabbed an early 2-0 lead in the top of the second on the strength of two sacrifice flies. Miami responded by capitalizing on a scoring opportunity in the bottom of the second as sophomore shortstop Michaela Schlattman doubled to right, bringing in two to tie the contest. In the next at-bat, junior center fielder Megan Wurts gave the Red and White the lead at 3-2 with a sacrifice fly that scored freshman left fielder Haeley Tran.

After Miami stranded two in the bottom of the fourth, senior Kelsey Fredericks relieved Scher and needed only four pitches to retire the Colonels in order to begin the fifth.

In the bottom of the sixth, Miami looked for some insurance runs and a fielding error by EKU would help them accomplish that goal. With bases loaded, senior designated player Lauren Anderson welcomed a new EKU pitcher by crushing a grand slam to left-center, breaking the game open at 7-2.

The Colonels got a two-out single in the top of the seventh, but Fredericks fielded a bunt to close out Miami's first home matchup with a win.

Schlattman had an outstanding performance, going 3-for-4 with two RBIs, while junior center fielder Kaitlyn Gliha and junior third baseman Kat Lee each finished 2-for-3. Scher improved to 2-2 with the victory, while Fredericks picked up her second save of the season.

The RedHawks' next outing will be a home doubleheader against Butler on Tuesday, March 14 at 5 p.m. Miami will be looking to avenge a 13-12 walk-off loss to the Bulldogs in its season opener on Feb. 10.