Postseason Around The Corner For Lady Sharks
The Lady Sharks softball team is preparing to close the 2011 season, hoping to earn a trip back to the national tournament.
Having already qualified for the Florida College System Activity Association Atlantic District Tournament, the defending champions 25-18, 13-6 in Southern Conference is trying to remain positive and healthy for the post season.
“Definitely many teams know our tradition of playing well in tournaments, that’s why we play the regular season to get ready for state’s,” MDC head softball coach Carlos Caro said. “It’s our ticket back to nationals.”
Their tradition of winning the Southern Conference crown ended this year, losing out to Indian River State College.
Assistant Coach Simone Suetsugu said injuries took its toll on the young team.
“Of course it’s different this year than last year, we had more experience, the injuries stopped us from winning the conference,” Suetsugu said.
Freshmen shortstop Kiara Nazario sprained her ankle after sliding toward home plate in game two versus Indian River during the fifth inning. She missed the remainder of the game.
The loss helped clinch the Southern Conference title for their arch-rival the Lady Pioneers.
“Our team seemed to play that day like it was just another game, we were very tired,” Nazario said. “I consider myself being one of the key players on the team so it was difficult to watch us lose from the bench.”
Many of the players feel opponents are targeting them.
“Everyone in the state is going to want to kill us, we have to be confident and even cocky,” said MDC sophomore outfielder Stephanie Buendia.
After starting the season barely at .500 the Lady Sharks have flourished at the right time.
Freshmen Rachel Meagley has a 2.23 ERA, and a 12 -10 record to be accompanied and 120 strikeouts; Aline Uehara has a 3.50 ERA, and a 5-3 record with 38 strikeouts.
“We are going to have to produce a lot of offense because we don’t have enough pitching just four pitchers,” team captain Veronika Fukunishi said. “Our attitude has to be that we are the best, and stay focus.”
