BLACKSBURG, Va. — Kentucky scored in each of the first four innings and went on to defeat Miami 15-1 on the opening day of the NCAA Division I Softball Championship.
 
Karli Spaid hit her 28th home run of the year for the RedHawks (39-16-1), who will face St. Francis (Pa.) in an elimination game on Saturday. Kentucky improves to 36-17 and advances to play host Virginia Tech.
 
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
 

• Spaid got things started for Miami with a leadoff home run to give the RedHawks a quick 1-0 lead.
• Kentucky answered back with four runs in the first and six more in the second to break the game open.

 
MIAMI GAME NOTES
 

• Miami is now 24-4-1 in its last 29 contests.
• Brianna Pratt, Courtney Vierstra and Taylor Turner saw time in the circle for the RedHawks.

 
UP NEXT:
 
Miami will continue play in the Blacksburg Regional on Saturday, May 20 vs. St. Francis (Pa.). First pitch is set for 5:30 p.m.