Sharks Stun No. 1 FSW with Gritty Game 2 Victory

After being shut out in Game 1, the Miami Dade Sharks responded in a big way, defeating No. 1-ranked Florida Southwestern State College 2-1 in the second game of the doubleheader. Behind a stellar complete-game performance from pitcher Aimi Tohara, the Sharks handed FSW its first loss of the season.

Tohara (7-1) was dominant in the circle, allowing just one run on eight hits while striking out two. She worked efficiently, throwing 90 pitches and keeping the Buccaneers off balance throughout the game.

The Sharks broke the scoreless deadlock in the fifth inning. Caroline Mito led off with a walk and later came around to score when Ty Marie Cervantes delivered a clutch RBI single through the left side. Miami Dade doubled its lead moments later when a dropped fly ball in center field allowed Dana Piri to reach third and Cervantes to cross the plate, making it 2-0.

FSW answered in the sixth when Lizzy Kwakernaak ripped an RBI triple down the right-field line, scoring Megan Veilleux to cut the deficit to 2-1. However, Tohara remained poised, escaping the inning without further damage and shutting down the Buccaneers in the seventh to seal the victory.

Offensively, the Sharks tallied eight hits, with Mito and Gabriela Luz leading the way with two each. Cervantes' RBI single proved to be the difference in Miami Dade's upset victory.

With the win, the Sharks improve to 19-3 (9-3 in conference), making a strong statement against the nation's top-ranked team.