Sharks Struggle Offensively in 3-1 Loss to Indian River

Despite a strong outing from pitcher Carina Amarilla, Miami Dade fell short in a 3-1 loss to Indian River State College on Thursday night. The Sharks' offense struggled to gain momentum, producing just two hits in the game, while a late defensive miscue opened the door for the Pioneers to capitalize in the sixth inning.

From the start, the matchup was a battle between two dominant pitchers. Amarilla, who entered the contest with a 9-1 record, kept the Pioneers off balance, working efficiently through five scoreless innings. She finished the game allowing six hits, three unearned runs, and striking out three. However, Indian River's J'dah Girigorie proved to be the difference-maker, tossing a complete-game two-hitter with eight strikeouts to stifle the Sharks' bats.

The game remained deadlocked until the bottom of the sixth, when a leadoff walk and a costly defensive miscue gave Indian River an opening. The Pioneers took advantage, as McKenzie Gibson drove in the first run of the game, followed by Kassidy Pontbriant, who delivered a two-run single to push the lead to 3-0.

Miami Dade showed fight in the seventh inning, as Emma Van Arman reached base and later scored on an Indian River error. However, the Sharks could not muster a comeback, as Girigorie closed out the game with her eighth strikeout.

The lone bright spot offensively for Miami Dade was Caroline Mito, who recorded both of the team's hits and added a stolen base. However, the rest of the lineup struggled, going 0-for-22 at the plate.

Despite the loss, Amarilla's performance in the circle remained steady, with her only blemishes coming as a result of defensive lapses.