2011-2012 Coaches
Head Coach Gina De Aguero
 Gina De Aguero enters her first season as head coach of the Miami Dade College softball team. An MDC alumni and a former member of the Lady Sharks softball team, De Aguero earned
an Associates of Arts degree in Education in 1999; and later transferred to St. Thomas University to complete her Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education in Social Studies in 2003.
Coach De Aguero served as the Head Coach of the Miami Lady Canes traveling team, from 2008 to 2011. Last season, she led her team to the 2011 Fast Pitch National Champions and 2011 State Champions. She also holds State Championships in 2009 and 2010 with the Lady Canes, 2008 State Runner up, and a 5th Fast Pitch National Championship finish in 2010. De Aguero also served as Assistant Coach at St. Brendan High School, 2005-2011, winning the 2005 & 2007 District Championships.
From 2003-2005, she served as Assistant Softball Coach at St. Thomas University; and is presently working as a Special Education teacher at Atlantis Academy in Miami.
Assistant Coach Katherine Cabrera
 Kathy Cabrera enters her 1st season as assistant coach at Miami Dade College. Coach Cabrera is an MDC alumni, who later transferred to Flagler College in St. Augustine, FL, where
she graduated with her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. As a pervious member of the Miami Dade Lady Sharks softball team, in 2007 as starting catcher, she helped the team win their first ever Atlantic District Championship, and placed as the State
Runner up of the FCCAA State Championship tournament. The Lady Sharks placed 5th at the NJCAA National Championship Tournament that same year.
Kathy lives in Hialeah with her two wonderful parents Teresita and Modesto Cabrera, and Elvis. Softball has always been a passion for her, and she hopes to continue to grow the
Miami Dade College softball program.
The Coaches
2011-12 SCHEDULE AND SCORE:
MDC LADY SHARKS - 2012 SPRING SOFTBALL SCHEDULE
OVERALL RECORD 26 - 17 - 1 CONFERENCE RECORD 9 - 3 - 1
DATE OPONENT LOCATION TIME SCORE
NJCAA Kick Off Tournament 1/27 – 1/29
Fri. Jan. 27 State College of FL Clearwater, FL 2:00 PM 7-1 (W)
Daytona State Clearwater, FL 6:00 PM 1-0 (W)
Sat. Jan. 28 Santa Fe College Clearwater, FL 11:00 AM 6-1 (W)
Tallahassee CC Clearwater, FL 3:00 PM 8-1 (W)
Sun. Jan. 29 Central FL Clearwater, FL 9:00 AM 1-9 (L)
St. John’s River Clearwater, FL 11:00 AM 4-5 (L)
Fri. Feb. 3 Northwood University (DH) Palm Beach, FL 1:00 PM/ 3:00 PM 7-0 (W), 4-0 (W)
Triple Crown Sports Tournament 2/4 – 2/5
Sat. Feb. 4 Gulf Coast St. Augustine, FL 12:00 PM 0-4 (L)
Tallahassee CC St. Augustine, FL 4:15 PM 1-5 (L)
Aiken St. Augustine, FL 6:15 PM 11-7 (W)
Sun. Feb. 5 FL. State College St. Augustine, FL 9:00 AM 1-8 (L)
Hillsborough St. Augustine, FL 11:00AM 7-6 (L)
Miami Dade College Cup Tournament:
@ Palmetto Bay Park(17535 SW 95 Ave)
Fri. Feb. 10 Hillsborough Miami, FL 4:00 PM 9-1 (W)
St. Thomas Miami, FL 6:00 PM 6-3 (W)
Sat. Feb. 11 Broward Miami, FL 10:00 AM 5-2 (W)
Florida State Miami, FL 3:00 PM 10-4 (W)
Sun. Feb. 12 State College of Florida MDC - Kendall 2:00 PM 2-4 (L)
Sat. Feb. 18 St. Petersburg College (DH) Clearwater, FL 2:00 PM/4:00 PM 2-10 (L), 5-6 (L)
Sun. Feb. 19 State College of Florida (DH) Bradenton, FL 12:00 PM/2:00 PM 7-4 (W), 3-8 (L)
Fri. Feb. 24 Daytona State College (DH) Daytona Beach, FL 2:00 PM/4:00 PM 4,0 (W), 3-11 (L)
Sat. Feb. 25 Seminole State College (DH) Sanford, FL 12:00 PM/2:00 PM 4-6 (L), 1-2 (L)
Wed. Mar. 7 Northwood University (DH) Miami, FL 2:00 PM/4:00 PM 6-11 (L), 8-0 (W)
Sat. Mar. 10 *Broward College (DH) Miami, FL 1:00 PM/3:00 PM 2-0 (W), 3-1 (W)
Wed. Mar. 14 *Palm Beach (DH) Palm Beach, FL 5:00 PM/7:00 PM 1-0 (W), 7-2 (W)
Sun. Mar. 18 *Brevard Community (DH) Melbourne, FL 2:00 PM/4:00 PM 16-5 (W), 5-2 (L)
Wed. Mar. 21 St. Thomas University (DH) Miami, FL 3:00 PM/5:00 PM 0-2 (L), 2-0(W)
Sat. Mar. 24 *Indian River State (DH) Miami, FL 2:00 PM/4:00 PM 3-1 (W), 1-9 (L)
Wed. Mar. 28 * Broward College (DH) Pembroke Pines, FL 5:00 PM/7:00 PM 7-2 (W), 21-0 (W)
Sat. Mar. 31 *Palm Beach State (DH) Miami, FL 2:00 PM/4:00 PM 3-1 (W), 6-6
Wed. Apr. 4 Ave Maria University (DH) Miami, FL 3:00 PM/5:00 PM 10-2 (W), 8-0 (W)
Sat. Apr. 7 *Brevard Community (DH) Miami, FL 1:00 PM/3:00 PM
Sat. Apr. 14 *Indian River (DH) Fort Pierce, FL 2:00 PM/4:00 PM
Sat. Apr. 21 State College of Florida (DH) SCRIMAGE Miami, FL 12:00PM & 2:00 PM
POST SEASON
Apr. 27-29 FCSAA ATLANTIC& STATE CHAMP Pensacola, FL TBD
May 17-19 NJCAA NATIONAL CHAMP St.George, UT TBD
* Conference Games
**Home Games @ Kendall Campus, Softball Field 11011 SW 104th St, Miami, FL 33176
(as of 4/5/2012) Subject to change without notice
SPRING 2012 ROSTER
#1 Carolina Otero
Class: Freshman
Position: Shortstop/Outfield
Bat/Throw: R/R
Height: 5’7”
Hometown: Miami, FL
#2 Alexandra Cristina Schneider
Class: Freshman
Position: Outfield
Bat/Throw: L/L
Height: 5’4”
Hometown: Miami, FL
#3 Carmen Nadal
Class: Freshmen
Position: 1st Base
Bat/Throw: L/L
Height: 5’9’’
Home Town: Kissimmee, Fl
# 6 Sarah Levern
Class: Freshman
Position: Pitcher/ Utility
Bat/Throw: R/R
Height: 5'7"
Hometown: Miami, FL
#7 Thais Ayumi Nagano
Class: Freshman
Position: Pitcher
Bat/Throw: R/R
Height: 5’5
Hometown: Curitiba Brazil
# 8 Alexsa Valdes
Class: Sophomore
Position: Catcher/Outfield
Bat/Throw: S/R
Height: 5’6’’
Hometown: Miami, FL
#9 Samira Mari Tanaka
Class: Sophomore
Position: 2nd Base
Bat/Throw: L/R
Height: 5’2”
Hometown: Bastos, Brazil
#10 Aline Kaori Uehara
Class: Sophomore
Position: Pitcher/3rd Base
Bat/Throw: R/R
Height: 5’1”
Hometown: Sao Paulo, Brazil
#12 Kayla Ogle
Class: Freshman
Position: Outfield
Bat/Throw: L/L
Height: 5’5”
Hometown: Homestead, FL
#13 Paris Prusak
Class: Freshman
Position: Catcher/Shortstop
Bat/Throw: R/R
Height: 5’8’’
Home Town: Cape Coral, Fort Myers, FL
#18 Maegan Lee
Class: Freshman
Position: Pitcher/3
rd
Base
Bat/Throw: R/R
Height: 5’5’’
Home Town: Homestead, FL
#20 Allora Miller
Class: Sophomore
Position: Pitcher/1st Base
Bat/Throw: R/L
Height: 5’8”
Hometown: Fort Myers, FL
#21 Ericka Acevedo
Class: Freshmen
Position: Pitcher/3rd Base
Bat/Throw: R/R
Height: 5’6’’
Home Town: Doral, FL
#52 Christine Marino
Class: Sophomore
Position: Catcher/3rd Base
Bat/Throw: R/R
Height: 5’5”
Hometown: Miami Lakes, FL
#53 Caroline Curran
Class: Sophomore
Position: Pitcher
Bat/Throw: L/L
Height: 5’5”
Hometown: Bradenton, FL
Updated January 24, 2012/
Subject to change without
COACHING STAFF AND ADMINISTRATION:
Head Coach: Gina De Aguero
305-237-2344
gdeaguero@mdc.edu
Assistant Coach:
Katherine Cabrera-Trejos
305-237-2344
kcabrera@mdc.edu
Stephanie Buendia
305-237-2344
Team Trainer:
Wendy Hebert
305-237-2186
whebert@mdc.edu
Director of Athletics:
Anthony Fiorenza
305-237-2867
afiorenz@mdc.edu
Sports Info. Director:
Pía Cruzalegui
305-237-2753
pcruzale@mdc.edu
2011-12 Softball News
August 5, 2011
National Fastpitch Coaches Association - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NFCA Announces 2011 Diamond Sports Catchers of the Year
STARKVILLE, Miss. – The National Fastpitch Coaches Association and Diamond Sports announced on Friday the 10 student-athletes that have earned the honor of being named as a 2011 Diamond Sports Catcher of the Year. The Diamond Sports Catcher of the Year award is presented annually to the top catcher from an NFCA member institution in each of the following divisions: NCAA (Divisions I, II and III), NAIA, NJCAA (Divisions I, II and III), Cal JC, NWAACC and high school.
A committee comprised of head coaches in each of the 10 divisions determines the winner of their respective award. The winners of the 2011 Diamond Sports Catcher of the Year award are as follows:
NJCAA Division I Veronika Fukunishi, Miami Dade College Fukunishi helped lead the Sharks to a state championship this season by batting .374 with 43 RBIs and a team-high seven home runs. A two-time Louisville Slugger/NFC All-American, Fukunishi ended her final season at Miami Dade with a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage. The native of Sao Paulo, Brazil will continue her softball career next season at Martin Methodist.
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE PRESS RELEASE
July 25, 2011
MDC Softball Program is once again honored to have earned spots on the ALL AMERICAN list. Since 2006 more than 30 MDC players have received this prestigious award and this year is no exception as three 2010-11 Lady Sharks were honored. Kristen Exposito, Veronika Fukunishi and Kiara Nazario were selected to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association First Team ALL REGION. Exposito, who holds MDC homerun and RBI's record with 27 and 125 respectively, also repeated her honor from last year and was again selected as an ALL AMERICAN, this time as THIRD TEAM, while Nazario earned her first ALL AMERICAN award. Also repeating on her last year FIRST TEAM ALL AMERICAN honors is Veronika Fukunishi.
Juyl 21
Miami Dade College Softball Star Recipient of the NFCA First Team ALL AMERICAN Honors for the 2011 season
Miami, July 21, 2011 – Veronika Fukunishi , outfielder and catcher for MDC's Softball team, earned the NFCA First Team ALL AMERICAN honors for the 2011 season for the Lady Sharks. This is the second consecutive year that she receives this award. During her two year career with the Sharks, Fukunishi has been awarded with the Southern Conference First Team in 2010 & 2011; FSCAA All State First Team in 2010 & 2011; All Team Atlantic Tournament in 2010 & 2011; and the All Team National Tournament in 2010, while leading the Sharks to two Atlantic Districts, one Conference, State and National titles.
Veronika Fukunishi Stat Facts:
415 batting average
20 homeruns
103 RBI's.
Miami Dade College Department of Athletics prides itself in the sponsorship of academic development and promotion of sports. The teams have earned a total of 33 NJCAA titles, including 13 in women's sports.
Miami Dade College recognizes that intercollegiate athletics and athletic competition for talented students is an integral part of the overall educational process and mission of the college. The intercollegiate athletic program at Miami Dade College strives to enrich the lives of participants by providing quality coaching, facilities, and support services, with equal treatment and resources available to all participants, regardless of race, gender, religion, marital status, age, national origin, handicap or financial resources.
The intercollegiate athletic program will work in partnership with its dynamic, multi-cultural community to provide accessible and high quality guidance and direction by keeping the needs of the student-athlete at the center of decision-making. Only the highest standards of sportsmanship and conduct are expected of students, coaches, staff, and administrators associated with the intercollegiate athletic and club sports program at Miami Dade College.
May 13
Published on The Miami Herald
View Article
May 1
The Miami Dade College Softball team has clinched its first ever FCCAA State Championship in program history. The Lady Sharks defeated Tallahassee Community College 6-3 in the State Championship game and were led by tournament MVP Kristen Exposito 2x3, double, homerun, RBI, 3 runs scored, Kiara Nazario 3x4, RBI, Alexa Valdes 2x3, RBI, and pitcher Allora Miller 1x2, RBI while striking out 6 batters, and allowing only 4 hits in the game.
The Lady Sharks, 34-20 on the season, have qualified for the NJCAA National Tournament in St. George, Utah for the second year in a row.
View press release
April 30
The LADY SHAKRS of Miami Dade College continue the wining tradition that the 2006, 2007 and 2010 teams created by winning their first three game in the FCSAA/NJCAA Atlantic District Bracket.
In the fisrt game MDC defeated Seminole State College with score of 10x2 in 5 innings. The best hitters for the Sharks in this game were Veronika Fukunishi who went 2X4 with a Triple, 2 runs scored and 3 RBI's. Kristen Exposito 2x4, homerun 1 run scored and 6 RBI's. Samira Tanaka 3x4 2 runs scored and 1 RBI.
In the second game, the SHARKS saw themsleves behind on the score borad 0x5 in the 3rd inning, but the team managed to continue to fight and scored 3 runs on the bottom of the 3rd and added 5 runs on the bottom of the 4th for a final of 8x7. Ashley Silveira hit a 3 run homerun and finished hte night 1x3. Kristen Exposito 2x3 double 2 RBI's, also Veronika Fukunishi 3x4, double and a run scored.
MDC defeated conference rival Indian River State College with scores of 11x0. MDC showed the long ball game that powered them to a national title in 2010 when 3 Lady SHARKS hit a homerun. Kristen Exposito hit two (her 24 and 25 homeruns of her career in a Sharks uniform) while Allora Miller, Aline Uehara hit one each.
The best hitters for the Sharks in this game were Kristen Exposito 2x3, 2 homeruns , 2 runs scored and 4 RBI's. Allora Miller 2x3, homerun , 2 runs scored and 2 RBI's. Aline Uehara 2x3 homerun, 1 run scored and 3 RBI's.
All state selections Kiara Nazario and Samira Tanaka continue to play outstanding defense upde middle.
Rachel Meagley started and won all three games for MDC while pitching a no hitter versus Indian River State College in the game for the winners bracket. MDC will play in the championship game at exchange park in Pensacola with the winner of Brevard State College and Indian River State College.
The next game will be tomorrow, May 1st at 10am, central time.”
April 23
The MDC LADY SHARKS ended their regular season play with a pair of wins at State College of Florida with identical scores of 5X4 to finish their regular season play with a record of 28 and 19. The Sharks will head to the FCCSAA/NJCAA Atlantic District tournament in Pensacola next week, Friday, April 29 to Sunday, May 1. In the first game the best hitters for the Sharks were Aline Uehara who went 2x3 with 2 RBI's; Cynthia Takahashi who went 2x4, an RBI and a run scored. ALL STATE FIRST TEAM Catcher Veronika Fukunishi went 2x4 on the day with a homerun, her 7th on the season, and 2 RBI'S. ALL STATE SECOND TEAM members Samira Tanaka and Kiara Nazario went 2x4 with a run scored for the day. Cynthia Takahashi went 2x2; with a double; a RBI and 2 runs scored in the second game. Kristen Exposito added 2 RBI's, a walk and a double for the day. Rachel Meagley was the winning pitcher in the first game, she won her 14th game of the season, and Allora Miller earned her 4th win of the season. Stephanie Martinez earned the save in the second game.
GAME RESULTS:
GAME #1
MDC.........5
SCF..........4
WP: Rachel Meagley
Aline Uehara 2X3 2RBI
Cynthia Takahashi 2X4 RBI Run scored
Samira Tanaka 1X2
Veronika Fukunishi 1X3
Kristen Exposito 2 RBI's
Game #2
MDC.......5
SCF........4
WP: Allora Miller
Veronika Fukunishi 1X1 HR 2RBI RUNSCORED
Cynthia Takahashi 2X2 RBI 2RUNSCORED
Kiara Nazario 2X4 RUNSCORED
Samira Tanaka 1x2
Kristen Exposito 1X1 Double
April 15
The Lady Sharks finished their regular conference schedule with a win over Broward College with a score of 13x3. Aline Uehara earned her 6th win of the season in a complete game performance. The Sharks put 3 runs on the board in the top of the first, 4 in the second inning, 3 runs in the third inning and added 4 more in the fifth inning. The best hitters for the Sharks were Cynthia Takahashi who went 2x2 with 2 RBI'S and 2 runs scored; Kristen Exposito who went 2x4 with 2RBI's and 2 runs scored; Veronika Fukunishi who went 1x2 with an RBI and 2 runs score and Samira Tanaka who finished 2x2 with 2 RBI's and 2 runs scored to elevate her batting average for the season to 449.
The SHARKS have already earned their ticket to post season play, in the ATLANTIC DISTRICT TOURNAMENT in Pensacola, Florida on April 28 after finishing 16 & 6 and earning a second place spot in the Southern Conference and an overall record of 25 and 18 for the season. The winner of the Atlantic tournament will earn a berth to the National Championship being held May 17 - 20 in Utah.
The MDC softball team will play at home on Sunday, April 17 at 2:00 pm versus St. Petersburg College as the school presents SOPHOMORE DAY. The ceremony for Sophmores will be held before Sunday's second game at MDC Kendall Campus, home of the LAY SHARKS.
GAME RESULT:
MDC.......13 Broward.... 3
WP: Aline Uehara
Fukunishi 1X2 RBI 2Runscored
Tanaka 2X2 2RBi 2 Runscored
Exposito 2X4 2RBI 2 Runscored
Takahashi 2X3 3RBI Runscored
April 5
CONGRATULATIONS TO KRISTEN & VIVIAN ON PLAYER OF THE WEEK HONORS
Two MDC Softball players have received conference player of the week honors this week. Kristen Exposito is the second MDC player to receive FCCAA player of the week honors joining Stephanie Buendia who was the recipient of this honor in mid March. Exposito a Sophomore from Miami, Florida, batted .429 (6x14) with two home runs and nine RBI's in a pair of Southern Conference double headers. Against Palm Beach State College on March 30 she went 4 for 8 in the double header including a an amazing two home run performance, one of them a grand slam, and nine RBI's. She picked up two more hits against Brevard Community College on April 2. For the week, Exposito scored four runs had one double and walked twice.
Former MDC ALUMNI Vivian Morimoto, now playing NCAA Division I at University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, earned SOCON player of the week honors on April 4. She registered a hit in each of the three games and jump started the Lady Mocs offense against Elon University with two solo home runs, a double and five RBI's in the series.
April 4
The MDC Softball team split their away series with Brevard Community College at Palm Bay on April 2 wining the first game with a score of 3x2 and losing the second game with a score of 0x4. The Sharks have won four of five games versus the TITANS in this years conference play action.
In the first game the Sharks saw themselves behind on the score board when Brevard scored two runs in the bottom of the sixth inning because of defensive misplays by the Sharks and a two out double. The Sharks scored three runs in the top of the seventh inning when Takahashi reached on a walk, Exposito doubled to right field, Veronika Fukunishi was intentionally walked and Allora Miller delivered a 2 run RBI Double to left field. Fukunishi scored the run that marked the difference on an RBI squeeze play by Ashely Silveira. Rachel Meagley was phenomenal once again for the Sharks on the mound pitching her 4th consecutive complete game and allowing 2 unearned runs and striking out 10 Titan hitters, her new season high.
In the second game the Sharks suffered their 16th loss of the season when they were unable to connect offensively, this is the first time this season that the Sharks did not score a run. The best hitters for MDC in this contest were: Samira Tanaka who went 1X2 and Veronika Fukunishi, Kristen Exposito and Aline Uehara who all went 1X3. Aline Uehara was charged with the loss in this game.
The Sharks will resume conference play action when they face Indian River State College at home on Saturday, April 9 in a double header set to start at 2:00 pm at MDC Kendall Campus. MDC's overall record for the season is 24 and 16 with a 12 and 4 record in conference play. The SHARKS have already qualified for the ATLANTIC DISTRICT Championship title which they will defend in late April in Pensacola, Florida with a ticket for the winner of this tournament to the NJCAA National Championship in St. George Utah.
Game Results:
GAME #1
MDC...... 3
Brevard.... 2
W.P: Rachel Meagley 10 K Allowed 2 H
Fukunishi 1x1 Run Scored
Tanaka 1x3
Exposito 1x3 Double Run Scored
Allora Miller 1x3 Double 2 RBI's
Ashley Silveira Winning RBI with a squeeze
GAME #2
MDC......0
Brevard....4
L.P: Aline Uehara
Samira Tanaka 1X2
Veronika Fukunishi 1X3
Kristen Exposito 1X3
Aline Uehara 1X3
March 30
The LADY SHARKS won their double header against Palm Beach State College with scores of 6x0 and 15x9 and improved their Southern conference record to 11 and 3.
In the first game Rachel Meagley pitched a complete game and struck out 8 Palm Beach hitters while allowing just 2 hits. Noemi Rodriguez went 2x3 with 2 RBI's; Stephanie Buendia went 2x4 with a run scored; Katrina Miguel went 1x3 with a double and RBI to lead the SHARKS offense in the first game.
In the second game Kristen Exposito hit her 21st (a grand slam, her second of the season) and 22nd home run in a SHARKS uniform and lead the MDC offense going 4X6 with 2 home runs, 9 RBI's and 2 runs scored. Other SHARKS hitters that contributed were Kiara Nazario who went 4X6 with an RBI and 3 runs scored; Katrina Miguel who went 2X4 with 2 doubles, 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored. Noemi Rodriguez went 3X5 with an RBI and 2 scored and Cynthia Takahashi continued to stay red hot at the plate finishing the game 3X6 with a RBI and 2 runs scored. Rachel Meagley earned the win in a five innings relief effort allowing 3 runs and striking out 9 Palm Beach hitters, the 9 strike outs are a season high for her as a SHARK.
MDC improved to a 23 and 15 overall record for the season and will continue conference play when they travel on Saturday, April 2 to Brevard Community College in a double header set to start at 2:00 pm.
GAME RESULTS:
Game # 1
MDC......... 6
PBSC.........0
WP: Rachel Meagley. 2 hits complete game and 8 K's Noemi Rodriguez 2X3 with 2
RBI's Stephanie Buendia 2X4 and a run scored Katrina Miguel 1x3 double and RBI
Game #2
MDC............15
PBSC............9
WP: Rachel Meagley. Releive effort with season high 9 K's
Kristen Exposito 4X6 2HR 9 RBI 2 runs scored
Kiara Nazario 4X6 RBI 3 runs scored Katrina Miguel 2X4 2 doubles, 2 RBI and 2 runs scored
Noemi Rodriguez 3X5 RBI and 2 runs scored
Cynthia Takahashi 3X6 RBI and 2 runs scored
March 26 & 27 SOUTHERN CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT:
The Lady Sharks finished with a record of 3 and 1 at the conference tournament held at Brevard Community College in Palm Bay, Florida during this past weekend.
On Saturday, the Sharks defeated Palm Beach State College 6x0. Rachel Meagley earned the win pitching a complete game. Cynthia Takahashi went 4x4, Samira Tanaka went 1x2 and Krsiten Exposito 2x4 with 2 RBI's to lead the attack for the Sharks. In the second game of the day MDC defeated Broward College with score of 15x5. Allora Miller earned her first win of the season while Tanaka 1x2; Silveira 1x3 double 3 RBI's and Exposito 2x2 were the best hitters for MDC in this game.
On Sunday, MDC lost their first game of the day versus Indian River State College with a score of 14x6. MDC scored first in the bottom of the first, but saw their lead disappear went IRSC scored 4 times in the top of the second and added three more in the third inning. The Sharks fought back and scored a pair in the bottom of the third and three more runs in the bottom of the fourth inning to close the gap to 6x7 in favor of IRSC. Stephanie Martinez managed to keep IRSC off the board in a great relief effort for the Sharks in the top of the seventh inning when IRSC's offense exploded for 7 runs. The best hitters for the Sharks were Cynthia Takahashi who went 4x4 and Kristen Exposito who went 2x4 with 2 RBI's.
MDC bounced back in the second game of the day and scored 3 in the bottom of the first inning when MDC leadoff hitter Kiara Nazario connected for a triple, Tanaka and Takahashi followed with singles for a 3 run rally in the first inning. In the bottom of the fourth inning Kristen Exposito hit a grand slam, her 20th home run in her two year career as a Shark, to extend the MDC lead to 7. Brevard scored their only run in the top of the sixth inning. Cynthia Takahashi went 3x4 and Kristen Exposito went 2x4 with 4 RBI's to lead the Sharks offense. Rachel Meagley pitched a complete game to earn the win.
Cynthia Takahashi went 9x10 at the plate in the tournament with 3 runs scored and 2 stolen bases.
MDC is now in second place in the Southern Conference behind Indian River State College (10-2) with a record of 9 and 3 and a overall record for the season of 21 and 15. The Sharlks will continue conference play action when they travel to Palm Beach State College on Wednesday, March 29 and to Brevard Community College on Saturday, April 2.
SOUTERH CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT GAME RESULTS:
Game #1
PALM BEACH STATE COLLEGE--------0
MIAMI DADE COLLEGE-----------------6
WP: R. Meagley
Game #2
MIAMI DADE COLLEGE--------------15
BROWARD COLLEGE-----------------5
WP: A. Miller
Game #3
INDIAN RIVER STATE COLLEGE------14
MIAMI DADE COLLEGE------------------6
LP: A. Miller
Game #4
BREVARD COMMUNITY COLLEGE-------1
MIAMI DADE COLLEGE-------------------7
WP: R. Meagley
March 23, 2011
Miami Dade College improved to 6-2 in conference play by defeating Broward College in today's double heather played at MDC Kendall Campus with scores of 8x0 & 10x2. Veronika Fukunishi hit a grand slam and finished the game going 1x1 and 5 RBI'S. For the Sharks Michel Flores went 1x1 and RBI; Alexsa Valdez went 1x1 run scored; Kiara Nazario and Aline Uehara went 1x2 as well. Also, Aline Uehara earned her 6 win of the season in the first game.
In the second game the Sharks had to come from behind when Broward score 2 runs in the top of the first inning. The Sharks score 6 runs in the bottom of the second inning and continue adding runs in every inning for a final score of 10x2. Veronika Fukunishi went 1x1 double 2 runs scored and RBI; Last week FCCAA player of the week stephanie Buendia went 1x1, 2 runs scored and RBI; Cynthia Takahashi 1x1 and a run scored; Katrina Miguel 1x2 double, RBI and run scored. Stephanie Martinez earned the win in the second game for MDC. Rachel Meagley pitched and strong inning striking out three Borward hitters. Allora Miller made her debut after an ACL injury that had her 6 months away from seen playing action and pitched two strong innings and went 1x2 at the plate. " The team is looking forward for Allora to get back in the pitching and hitting RHYTHM so she can help to lead the pitching staff as well as the offense, her addition was something that the all team was looking forward and I was really pleased with her performance today." Coach Caro Said. The Sharks improved to 18 wins with 14 losses in the season.
The Sharks will resume conference play action when they travel this weekend to Brevard Community College to play in the Southern Conference Tournament.
March 21, 2011
The SHARKS dropped their away double header at Indian River State College with scores of 1x9 & 5x4 in extra-innings, they are now 4 & 2 in conference play and 16 &14 for the season.
In the first game of the day MDC starting pitcher Aline Uehara was not at her best allowing 7 runs in the first 3 innings of work. The best of MDC's offense in this game was provided by last week's FCCAA player of the week, Stephanie Buendia who went 2X2 ; Veronika Fukunishi who went 1X3 with one RBI ; Alexsa Valdes who went 1X1; Samira Tanaka who went 1x2 and extended her hitting streak to 13 games.
In the second game, the Sharks attacked first with 2 runs in the top of the second, but the Indian River offense tied it in the bottom of the third with a walk followed by a home run. In the fourth inning the Sharks took the lead when they scored twice. MDC was leading 4x3 in the bottom of the seventh until the Indian River hit a home run to tie the game, they eventually won the game after 9 innings with a score of 5x4. Rachel Meagley pitched a complete game and lost her 10th game of the season in the pitching effort for the Sharks. Kiara Nazario went 2X5 with one RBI ; Kristen Exposito went 2X3 ; Alexsa Valdes went 3X4 ; Katrina Miguel went 1X3 and provided the best of the Sharks offense at the plate. Samira Tanaka saw her hitting streak end by going 0x5, the IR shortstop robbed her of a line drive hit in the top of the 9th inning that could have provided the Sharks with the lead since Nazario was at second. Once again the best of the Sharks defense was provided by Tanaka & Nazario up the middle and the reappearance of Veronika Fukunishi behind the plate.
The Sharks had the chance to be in a great position after this double header, but instead they are tied for first place in the Southeastern Conference with Indian River both with record of 4 & 2. According to Caro, "The good thing about these games was that Veronika was back behind the plate to help make the team defense stronger. Also, Allora Miller will be activated on Monday after a long 6 month of wait." Caro continued on to say, " I know our team is excited about having Allora back, she will be a good addition to our offense and pitching staff and having Veronika leading the pitchers now puts our team in a stronger position. I stand by my team and continue to tell them that we have a chance to make a late run for the Conference Championship and NJCAA Atlantic Championship, NOW is the time for them to stand up for themselves since they are the ones that play the game and I expect us to do better from now on."
MDC Softball will resume action next Wednesday when they face Broward College at MDC Kendall in a double header set to start at 2:00 pm. Then the Sharks will travel to Brevard Community College Saturday, March 26 and Sunday, March 27 to play in the Southern Conference Tournament.
Results:
MDC................. 1
Indian River......9
LP: Aline Uehara
Stephanie Buendia 2X2 ; Veronika Fukunishi 1X3 RBI ; Alexsa Valdes 1X1; Samira Tanaka 1x2
MDC..................4
Indian River .....5
LP: Rachel Meagley
Kiara Nazario 2X5 RBI ; Kristen Exposito 2X3 ; Alexsa Valdes 3X4 ; Katrina Miguel 1X3
Mar. 3-6, 2011
Miami Dade College Softball Team finished the pool play at the National Fast Pitch Coaches Association Junior College Leadoff Classic in Panama City, Florida with a record of 2 wins and 1 lost. Twenty-four Junior Colleges will battle to be the winner of the Gold, Silver and Bronze brackets. There are nine teams in the draw that began the season in the top 20 NJCAA national rankings including defending national champion MDC, the runner up Wallace Hanceville, Alabama, #4 Chipola, # 9 Blinn College, Texas.
The Lady Sharks lost to the number 13 NJCAA national ranked Odessa College of Texas with a final score of 4-12. The best hitters for the Sharks on the losing effort were: Kristen Exposito 2X4 2RBI, Kiara Nazario 2X4, Cynthia Takahashi 3X4 RBI and Aline Uehara 2X3 RBI.
The Sharks bounced back and beat number 12 NJCAA national ranked Georgia Perimeter College with score of 4-2 with Kristen Exposito 3X3 RBI, Kiara Nazario 3X4, Cynthia Takahashi 1X3 RBI, Veronika Fukunishi 1X3 RBI and Alexsa Valdes 1X2 providing the best of the Sharks offense in this game. Rachel Meagley earned the win on a relieve effort of starting pitcher Aline Uehara. The MDC bats were hot versus CCBC of Maryland to a final score of 9-1. Stephanie Martinez earned the win allowing 5 hits in a complete game performance. The best hitters in this game for the Sharks were: Noemi Rodriguez 2X4 RBI, Stephanie Buendia 1X2 RBI, Kristen Exposito 1X3 RBI, and Aline Uehara 1X2 HR.
The final Score of the game vs. Lakes Community College was 4-6, the game was shortened to 5 innings due to the rain and was called after mother nature was present at the Leadoff Classic in Panama City, Florida. The best offense for MDC on this game was displayed by Samira Tanaka 3X3, run scored, Aline Uehara 1x3 & 2 RBI'S, Katrina Miguel and Stephanie Buendia went 1x1. Rachel Meagley was charged with the loss for the Sharks. The Sharks will return to the field of play next Wednesday when they will open conference play versus Palm Beach State College at home, MDC Kendall Campus, with a starting times set for 2 pm. " We have rode a role coaster all season long, it is time for us to ride straight to our point of destination which is the qualification for post season play, and for that we have to play our BEST Softball from now on, if we do we will reach our goal to be in the post season, then we will take things from there but now it's all about playing our BEST Softball or go home" Coach Caro.
Feb. 18-19, 2011-Georgia Perimeter Invitational
The SHARKS were able to defeat Spartburg Methodist College on a walk off 3 RBI double by Veronika Fukunishi in the bottom of the seventh inning. Spartanburg scored 1 in the first and 4 in the fourth to gain an early 5 nothing lead. The Sharks scored their first run in the bottom of the fourth inning when Veronika Fukunishi connected for a solo home run. Aline Uehara, the MDC starting pitcher, kept Spartanburgs from scoring until she was relieved by Rachel Meagley who pitched a clean top of the 7th inning to earn the win and gave the Sharks the opportunity to go back on offense after trailing 3 to 5 in the top of the seventh inning. In the top of the seventh inning and after one out Kiara Nazario reached on an infield hit, Samira Tanaka followed with a bunt and Cynthia Takahashi also reached on an infield hit. Kristen Exposito popped out to the short stop for the second out of the inning when Veronika Fukunishi stepped to the plate and delivered a 3 RBI double to give the SHARKS the win in walk of fashion. Veronia ended the game 3x4, with 6 RBI'S, a DOUBLE & a HOMERUN. Kiara Nazario went 2x4 with one run scored and Samira Tanaka went 3x4 with 2 runs scored.
In the second game of the day the Sharks were defeated by Tallahassee Community College with a final score of 3x6. Tallahassee scored in the top of the first inning by converting after two outs on a walk and double. The Sharks tied the game to one in the top of the second inning on a solo home run by Veronika Fukunishi. Cynthia Takahashi went 3x3 at the plate for the Sharks. The two added 2 runs in the bottom of the fourth inning on a two out 2 run homer. MDC tied the score at 3 in the top of the 5th inning on a 2 run RBI double by Veronika Fukunishi. The Sharks saw the game slip away when the leadoff hitter for Tallahassee hit a 2 run homer, her second of the day versus the Sharks.
On Sunday, the top of the order who had 4 hitters hitting over 400 for the season and carrying the Sharks offense were unable to produce and the Sharks lost 1x3 to the 2010 runner up national champions, Wallace Community College of Alabama and 0x2 to Georgia Perimeter College. Sunday's only run was scored on the legs of Kiara Nazario on an RBI single by Samira Tanaka versus Wallace. Rachel Meagley threw a complete game in the losing effort. Stephanie Martinez pitched a complete game in the loss to the Jaguars. The best of the MDC offense versus Georgia went to Veronika Fukunishi who went 2x3 and finished the weekend with 9 RBI'S, 2 doubles and 2 home runs for a batting average of 615 in the four game stretch.
Feb. 12-13, 2011-State College of Florida Tournament and vs. St. Pete
Miami Dade College played quality softball over the weekend by earning 3 wins and 1 loss. On Saturday the Sharks played at the Florida State College tournament and beat conference rival Palm Beach State College with a score of 6-1. The best hitters for MDC in this game were Kiara Nazario who went 1x2 with 2 runs scored; Kristen Exposito who went 1x2 with 2 RBIs and 1 run scored; Aline Uehara who went 1x3 with a double; and Stephanie Buendia who went 1x2. In the second game the SHARKS beat Santa Fe College with a final score of 2x1. Samira Tanaka went 2x4 with a run scored; Veronika Fukunishi went 2x3; Noemi Rodriguez went 1x3; and Kristen Exposito who went 1x3 and earned the winning RBI in the top of the 7th inning to lead the Sharks offense versus the Saints. Rachel Meagley pitched two complete games and struck out 14 in her best pitching performance of the season.
On Sunday, the Sharks visited St. Petersburg College and split their two games. The Sharks offense started the first game and scored 6 times in the top of the 1st inning and added 6 more runs through the reaming of the game for a final score of 12 to 6. Stephanie Martinez earned her first win of the season. In this game the Sharks best hitters were Kiara Nazario who went 3x5 with 2 runs scored; Samira Tanaka who went 1x3 with a double and 2 runs scored; Cynthia Takahashi who went 3x3 with 2 runs scored and an RBI,; Veronika Fukunishi who went 1x1 with a double and 3 RBI'S; and Aline Uehara who went 2x4 with 2 runs scored.
During the second game the Sharks scored 1 run in the top of the 1st inning to see their lead slip away when St. Pete tied the game in the bottom of the first inning. There were several lead changes throughout the game and MDC was leading 5x4 to start the seventh inning on a 2 out, 2 RBI single by Alexsa Valdes. MDC defensive miscues and a gap base hit gave St. Pete the win with a final score of 6x5. Rachel Meagley was charged with the loss for the fighting Sharks. The best of the MDC offense in this game was provided by Kiara Nazario who went 2x3 with a double and 3 runs scored; Samira Tanaka who went 3x4 with a run scored; Cynthia Takahashi who went 1x2 with a run scored and 3 RBI'S & Alexsa Valdes who went 1x1 with 2 RBI'S.
Feb. 5-6. 2011- Triple Crown Tournament
The Lady Sharks were without strength to bite off the opposition when they slipped and lost 4 games at the Triple Crown Tournament, a tournament that the team had previously won in 2009 & 2010. In the first game the Sharks lead the entire game only to see its lead slip away with two outs when Florid State College at Jacksonville hit a grand slam to win with a final score of 3x5. The best of the Sharks offense in this game was offered by Kiara Nario who went 2x4 with 1 stolen base and 1 run scored; Veronika Fukunishi went 2x3 with a double and homerun(2).
The Sharks also lead the entire game versus Tallahassee Community College to see it slip away in the bottom of the seventh also on a walk off homerun for a final score of 3x4. Freshman pitcher Rachel Meagley was charged with the loss in both games. Cynthia Takahashi was the best hitter for the Sharks going 2x4 and connecting for her 1st homerun of the season.
In the third game of the day the Sharks lost to Hillsborough Community College with score of 2x3 on a run scored on a pass ball.
Sunday morning the water was not much brighter for the Sharks. Mishandles of the Sharks defense in the first inning opened the door for 3 Coastal Georgia runners. Georgia added two more runs in the top of the 3rd inning on a 2 run homer off starting pitcher Aline Uehara who was charged with the loss. They added 4 more in the top of the seventh off reliever Rachel Meagley for a final score of 6x9. The Sharks fought back the entire game but were unable to find the clutch hit with runners in scoring positions. Cynthia Takahashi once again lead the Sharks offense going 2x4 with 2 stolen bases, 2 runs scored & 2 RBI'S. Kristen Exposito went 2x3 with a double and RBI in the loss to Coastal Georgia.
The last time the Sharks lost 2 games in a row dates back to March 2009. This is the first time that the Sharks have lost 4 games in a row dating back to 2004. "Since 2005, the team has been fortunate enough to have athletes that fought to be on the winning side and always found their way back to bounce back stronger after a tough loss. It's early in the season and all 3 of Saturday's scores could easily have ended up as wins for us. If our team learns from those losses, we can be stronger, said Caro. "I BELIEVE that it's not about how you fell, but how stronger you bounce back after a tough and disappointing moment or loss. We will find out what our players are made of for the remainder of the season. We will work to turn it around, we must do it. I think we have the team to do it, it will be up to my players to stand up and deliver. As of right now we are still in it to win it, to defend the national title."
Feb. 2, 2011- National Rankings Release
Top 10 NATIONAL JUNIOR COLLEGE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION National Poll
1 Miami Dade College
2 Yavapai College
3 Salt Lake Community College
4 Wallace State Community College-Hanceville
5 Chipola College
6 Midland College
7 Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College
8 Blinn College
9 Chattanooga State Community College
10 Santa Fe College
Jan. 29-30, 2011-NJCAA Kick Off Tournament
The Miami Dade College Women's Softball team opened their 2011 season with a record of 3 & 1 at the NJCAA Kickoff Classic in Clearwater, Florida. The SHARKS lost their opening game to Gulf Coast Community College with a score of 0 - 7. "Our young team paid the price in the opening game, but bounced back with strong hitting, defense and pitching performances playing quality Softball. I'm proud of their performance and really happy for them to see that their hard work always pays off."
In the second game of the day MDC beat Seminole State College with score of 9 - 8. Veronika Fukunishi went 3x4, with a double & the winning HOMERUN in the top of the 6th inning. Cynthia Takahashi also powered the Sharks attack going 2x4, with 3 runs scored and an RBI. Rachel Meagley, a product of Spokane, Washington, earned her first win of the season when she came to the rescue of the starting pitcher Aline Uehara.
MDC's bats were hot on Sunday morning in their 14x2 victory versus Stanley Community College of North Carolina with pitcher Aline Uehara earning her first win of the season. The Sharks offense was powered by Kiara Nazario who went 3x3, with 3 runs scored and 2 stolen bases; Samira Tanaka who went 2x4, with 2 runs scored; Michel Flores who went 2x2, with 3 runs scored; Cynthia Takahashi who went 2x2 with 2 runs scored and Aline Uehara also helping her own cause finishing the game 2x3 with a run scored and an RBI.
Cynthia Takahashi lead the Sharks offense in the win 5 - 2 versus Polk State College going 2x3 with 2 runs scored, 2 doubles and 3 RBI's. Kiara Nazario, Samira Tanaka and Ashley Silveira also went 2x3 at the plate and accounted for 4 scored runs. The fifth run of the game was scored on the legs of Katrina Miguel who went 1x3 with an RBI at the plate. Freshman pitcher Rachel Meagley earned her second win of the season striking out 9 Knight hitters and allowing 4 hits and 2 unearned runs in seven complete innings of work.
The Sharks hit the ball real well during the last three games with Kiara Nazario, Samira Tanaka, Veronika Fukunishi, Aline Uehara, Ashley Silveira & Cynthia Takahashi leading the pack. Cynthia was the best Shark hitter of the weekend going 7x14 for a batting ave of 500, scoring 5 runs, earning 5 RBI's and hitting 2 doubles. Rachel Meagley lead the pitching staff with a record of 2 wins and 1 loss and struck out 15 batters in 15 innings of work during the weekend. |
