Oxford, Ohio – The Robert Morris University softball team started the Miami University Invitational by dropping a 2-1 game to Dayton and a 16-1 decision at the hands of the host RedHawks.
 
Abrielle McCartney led the Colonials offensive effort by collecting three hits in five at-bats, including her first home run of the season. Kristen Pray was 2-for-2 in the opening contest while Briana Bunner went 2-for-5 one the day in her return from injury. Taylor Bartlow collected the team's only other extra-base hit on the day – a double against Miami.
 
In the first game of the day, Madison Riggle and Kaitlin Ellzy combined to hold the Flyers to just five hits. Dayton's Jessica Weaver and Manda Cash were just a touch better on the afternoon. The two allowed just four hits while striking out 11.
 
Dayton took the lead in the second inning when leadoff batter Abby Ehrenborg reached on a error. She came in for the game's first run on a Kelly Fitzgerald double to center field. McCartney knotted the game in the fourth with a blast to right field, but the Flyers would take the lead right back. Lisa Tassi led off the bottom of the fourth with a homer of her own down the left field line to give Dayton a lead it would not relinquish.
 
In the night cap, Miami collected 15 hits in 29 at-bats including a grand slam and a three-run homer. The RedHawks took a 5-0 lead in the second and put up nine runs in the fifth to force the mercy rule. Shannon Hohman earned the victory in the circle. Bartlow scored the lone Colonials run in the fourth inning after doubling to right center field.
 
The Colonials continue play in the Miami Invitational Saturday, March 17, when they meet Fort Wayne at 1:30 p.m.