Miami Dade Tests Itself Early Against DII National Champions

Miami Dade Tests Itself Early Against DII National Champions
Box Score
January 24, 2026

The Sharks dropped a 14–4 decision to Pasco-Hernando State College, the reigning Division II National Champions, in an early-season matchup that offered a stiff measuring stick for the Sharks.

Pasco-Hernando struck quickly in the opening frame, capitalizing on traffic on the bases and timely hitting to plate four runs in the first inning. Sebastian Berrios delivered the early blow with a two-run double, while Vance Celiberti and Kelvin Perez Reyes followed with RBI singles to give the visitors immediate control.

Miami Dade answered in the second, scratching across a run after Willy Mendez reached and later scored on a double-play ball, trimming the deficit to 5–1. The Sharks continued to apply pressure offensively, collecting nine hits on the day, but struggled to string together extended rallies against the Pasco-Hernando pitching staff.

The game's turning point came in the fourth inning. After Pasco-Hernando added three more runs,including a solo homer by Juan Lopez, Miami Dade responded with its most productive frame of the night. Adrian Areizaga doubled to spark the rally, Jendy Gonzalez knocked in a run with a single, and back-to-back extra-base hits from Leamsi Montañez and Antonio Fawcett pulled the Sharks within 8–4.

Pasco-Hernando reasserted control in the fifth and sixth innings, taking advantage of defensive miscues and timely extra-base hits to extend the lead. Berrios and Lopez combined for eight RBIs on the night, while Michael Greenberg added two more as the visitors pulled away.

Jendy Gonzalez led the Sharks offensively, going 3-for-3 with an RBI and two stolen bases. Montañez and Areizaga each added doubles, while Miami Dade showed flashes of speed and aggressiveness on the bases despite the final score.

While the result favored the defending champions, the matchup served its purpose early in the season. Miami Dade College tested itself against one of the nation's top programs and will look to build on the experience as it sharpens execution and consistency moving forward.