Sharks Open Season with Statement Win Over Calhoun

Gina DeAguero's squad opened the new season in strong fashion, using a five-run fifth inning to break the game open and roll past Calhoun Community College, 9–2, to kick off the year with a victory.

The Sharks wasted no time getting on the board in the opening frame as Ebba Sofia Eriksson delivered an RBI single to score Caroline Mito, who set the tone early with her speed and aggressive baserunning. Calhoun answered with single runs in the first and third innings, both coming on defensive miscues, but Miami Dade quickly settled in and took control from there.

After four tight innings, the Sharks' offense erupted in the fifth. Eriksson drove in another run after being hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, Amanda Handa reached on an error to bring in another, and Maria Julia Pedroso delivered the big swing of the inning with a two-run double to center field. Cintia Escalante added an RBI single later in the frame as Miami Dade plated five runs to seize momentum for good.

The Sharks continued to apply pressure in the sixth inning. Cate Haggerty lined a two-run triple to left field, and Pedroso followed with an RBI single to extend the lead to 9–2.

Miami Dade finished with 15 hits on the afternoon, led by Mito's perfect 3-for-3 performance with three runs scored and two stolen bases. Pedroso drove in a game-high three RBIs, while Haggerty added two RBIs and a triple. Eriksson also contributed two RBIs as the Sharks produced throughout the lineup.

Inside the circle, Handa delivered a complete-game performance to earn the win, allowing just five hits and two runs, neither earned, while striking out seven and walking only one. The defense settled in behind her after early errors, helping close out the final four innings without allowing another run.

With the victory, Miami Dade begins the season on a positive note, combining timely hitting, aggressive baserunning, and a strong outing in the circle to set the tone for the year ahead.