Miami Dade College Softball Wins Atlantic and State Championships
Miami, May 9, 2011 - After three days of arduous competition, Miami Dade College’s (MDC) Lady Sharks recently won the 2011 Florida Community College Activities Association (FCCAA) and will advance to the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division 1Softball Tournament.
This is MDC’s first-ever FCCAA/NJCAA State Championship, and the third time the Lady Sharks win the Atlantic District Championship since 2007. MDC’s athletic teams have earned a total of 33 NJCAA titles, including 13 in women’s sports. Most recently, thesoftball team became2010 national champions and won the 2010 national ladies fast-pitch softball championship.
The Lady Sharks will defend their title at the NJCAA Division I Softball National Tournament on May 19-21 in St. George, Utah.
MDC beat Indian River State 19-4 to advance to the National Tournament. They showed offensive dominance during their championship run, scoring 57 runs and allowing 21.
"Our team showed what the MDC Softball program is all about: character, family, desire, heart, and competiveness. In 2010, it was sweet to win the NJCAA National title, but we were supposed to do it because of the talent we had. This year, the first two titles are even sweeter because our team has worked really hard and has overcome a season plagued with injuries to be standing as the Atlantic and State champions,” said Coach Carlos Caro.
The Lady Sharks' hitters combined 11 doubles and 11 homeruns led by tournament MVP Kristen Exposito with 5 Homeruns and 4 Doubles. The Sharks' pitchers' great performances during the tournament were led by Rachel Meagley, who will sign a Letter of Intent with Delaware University, finished the tournament 3 and 1 and pitched her first no hitter in Sharks uniform versus conference rival Indian River State College.
As a result of a great 2010-11 season, the Atlantic and State Tournament named Caro the Coach of the Year.
The following MDC athletes will continue to play NCAA and NIAA:
Rachel Meagley - Delaware University
Ashley Silveira - Nova Southeastern University
Veronika Fukunishi - Martin Methodist College
Katrina Miguel - Webber International
Stepahnie Buendia - Queen University or Shorter University
Noemi Buendia - Queens University
Stephanie Martinez - Bryan College
Kristen Exposito - Undecided
MDC Selections to All Atlantic Tournament Team:
Kristen Exposito - Infielder
Veronika Fukunishi - Catcher
Cynthia Takahashi - Outfielder
Kiara Nazario - Infielder
Samira Tanaka - infielder
Rachel Meagley - Pitcher
Ashley Silveira - Outfielder
Aline Uehara - Infielder
Allora Miller - Designated Hitter
MDC Selections to All State Tournament Team:
Kristen Exposito - TOURNAMENT M.V.P.
Rachel Meagley - Pitcher
Veronika Fukunishi - Catcher
Samira Tanaka - Infielder
Cynthia Takahashi - Outfielder
Aline Uehara - Infielder
Allora Miller - Designated Hitter
For more information about MDC’s sports programs, please contact Pia Cruzalegui at 305-237-2753.
Media-only contacts:
Juan Mendieta, 305-237-7611, jmendiet@mdc.edu, MDC communications director
Tere Estorino, 305-237-3949, testorin@mdc.edu, MDC media relations director
Sue Arrowsmith, 305-237-3710, sue.arrowsmith@mdc.edu, media specialist
Tarnell Carroll, 305-237-3359, tcarroll@mdc.edu, media specialist
Alejandro Rios, 305-237-7482, arios1@mdc.edu