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SMITHFIELD, R.I. - The University of Dayton softball team opened the Atantic 10 Conference season with a 9-5 win over Rhode Island Friday night. The Flyers' five-run fourth inning lifted UD over the Rams.

Junior Tiffany Ricks provided what would prove to be the winning runs with her grand slam in the fourth inning, her fifth home run of the season.

Dayton (10-13, 1-0 A-10) put up a single run in the first inning to get the scoring going early in the contest. Senior Rachel Archer was on second base after junior Natalie Mariano sacrificed her over on a bunt and senior Jordan Jennings doubled her in to put UD up, 1-0.

The Flyers put up a five-spot in the fourth beginning with a bases-loaded walk for Jennings and ending with a bases-loaded home run for Ricks. Sophomore Kennedy Haynes was the first Flyers to score a run in the frame followed by Archer, Mariano, Jennings and Ricks as UD went up 6-0 on URI.

Rhode Island (4-16, 0-1 A-10) got two runs back in the bottom of the fourth, cutting into the Dayton lead. The Rams doubled in their first run and a Flyer error plated the team's second score. After four complete innings, Dayton was still in charge, 6-2.

Both teams tacted on three runs apiece in the seventh inning.

Junior Kayla English (6-5) was awarded the win in the circle after throwing a complete game for the Flyers. She struck out four batters while giving up four earned runs on nine hits.

Caitlin Kennedy (1-6) was charged with the loss after 3.1 innings of work. She gave up four earned runs on five hits. Sam Bedore tossed three innings of middle relief while Cassie Baker closed out the game for the Rams.

The Flyers and Ram will square off tomorrow at noon to complete the two-game league series.