OXFORD, Ohio (Dec. 17) -- Following an 11-day layoff, Miami University's women's basketball team shrugged off a slow start on Sunday to defeat Saint Francis (Pa.) 89-76 in Millett Hall. Miami (4-4) fell behind by as many as nine points early on, but responded to run its home record to a perfect 2-0 on the year.

The RedHawks came out of the gates cold, hitting only three of their first 15 shots. Saint Francis, however, opened up a 15-6 lead as Carlin Chesick nailed six points for the Red Flash in the opening seven minutes.

Conversely, Miami countered with a 22-4 spurt of its own, gaining a 28-19 advantage. Heather Cusick and Hollie Nelsen each drained two three-pointers apiece to lead Miami.

The RedHawks went to the locker room with a 37-26 lead. Miami finished the half shooting 36 percent from the field, while the Red Flash shot 31 percent.

In the second half, both teams caught fire. The RedHawks stretched its lead to 19 points (64-45) with 11:26 remaining, fueled by the hot shooting of Nelsen. Nelsen was 4-for-7 in the second half, including two long-range three-point field goals.

Saint Francis cut the lead to 11 points with just under a minute remaining but could not get any closer.

Miami committed only 10 turnovers for the game while forcing 20 miscues. The RedHawks added a season-high-tying 17 steals and finished shooting 46 percent from the field.

Kim Lancaster paced four Miami players in double digits with 23 points. Lancaster also snared eight rebounds. Nelsen drilled a season-high 22 points and pulled down a team-best nine boards. Cusick and Kelli Stamper rounded out the RedHawks in double figures, scoring 12 and 10 points, respectively.

Beth Barnabei led the Red Flash with a game-high 25 points, including four three-pointers.

Miami next takes to the court on Thursday, Dec. 21 as it travels to Butler. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.