Sports 
Lady Sharks swing to the top
By
Hector Gonzalez
Hector.gonzalez012@mymdc.net
The Miami Dade College softball team (23-2) has been ranked No. 1 in the state three weeks in a row— the first time in school history the team has accomplished the feat.
“We really haven’t missed a beat,” assistant coach Omar Rodriguez said. “[At] every position, this team has a lot of depth.”
The depth includes National Junior College Athletic Association All-American selections, sophomore catcher Vivian Morimoto and pitcher Erika Bennett.
The Lady Sharks are aiming to improve on last year’s accomplishments. In 2008-2009 the Lady Sharks were ranked as high as No. 6 in the nation, winning the Triple Crown Sports Tournament. They also ranked sixth in the country with a team 3.359 grade point average.
Thus far, they have had few setbacks. The team has remained relatively healthy with the exception of two early season injuries. Sophomore pitcher Geovanny Nunez sustained a broken arm, and Morimoto sustained a shoulder injury. Both players have since recovered and rejoined the team.
The team’s success has yielded results. Several Lady Sharks have signed letters of intent. Among them: Amanda Lara (Marshall University), Bennett (Marshall University), and Simone Suetsugu (The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga). Morimoto made a verbal commitment to (Florida Gulf Coast University).
The Lady Sharks have also signed new talent for next season. Pitcher/infielder and power hitter Sarah Levern from Miami Southridge Senior High School, infielder Karen Pedraza from John A Ferguson Senior High School and pitcher Rachel Maegly from Spokane, Washington.
But Caro said the team remains focused on this season. They want to win a state championship and a national championship.
“To be honest this team has a lot of chemistry and a lot of depth in the lineup,” said Caro, “working one percent harder everyday is the quote we give the girls weekly.”
Editor’s note: The team’s record listed in this story was as of Friday, March 12.