The Miami Dade College Lady Sharks softball team’s postseason plans will be decided in the next ten games.
With six games left versus Eastern Florida State College and four against Indian River State College, the Lady Sharks’ chances of qualifying for the Southern Conference Tournament hinge on how they fare during a stretch from March 27 through April 24.
The tournament will take place May 7-10 at Soldiers’ Creek Park in Longwood, Fla.
“Moving forward we can continue to compete to our best potential and focus on getting better every practice and adjusting in games,” said Lady Sharks’ Head Coach Gina De Agüero, who has led the program since 2011.
The Lady Sharks are 11-16 on the season and 3-3 in the Southern Conference. They began conference play on March 13 with two losses at Indian River (5-4 and 5-0). They followed that with back-to-back wins against Eastern Florida on March 19 (7-6 and 5-4).
This past Sunday, the Lady Sharks lost the first game of a doubleheader against Indian River 6-3 but won the second game 3-2. The Pioneers, who are 22-5, are the tenth-ranked team in the nation, according to the National Junior College Athletic Association’s latest polls.
“We’ve definitely had some highs and lows this season, but I think once the conference started, something just really clicked inside of all of us and we started working together really well,” said sophomore outfielder Amber Dalfonso.
The team’s momentum has been aided by solid pitching and strong offensive performances.
Dalfonso leads the squad in hits (25), runs (13) and stolen bases (six); freshman infielder Melissa Leon leads in RBI (17), doubles (six), triples (2) and home runs (2). Sophomore pitcher Haley Duncan has been the team’s ace with a 2.44 earned run average and 28 strikeouts in 57.1 innings.
Outfielder Amanda Mason and infielder Bianca Palacios have also contributed with 17 runs and 16 RBI combined.
“I think our chances are very high in competing for the Southern Conference championship, especially if we keep playing the way we are,” said freshman pitcher/outfielder Brianna Romaguera. “We are a team full of very hardworking, dedicated and talented players. When we play to our full potential, there is no stopping us.”
The Lady Sharks’ next game is a doubleheader on the road at Eastern Florida State College on March 27 at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
