Costly Errors Flip Game as Sharks Drop Opener to Daytona State, 4–2

Daytona Beach, FL - Miami Dade couldn't hold an early lead as defensive miscues proved costly in a 4–2 loss to Daytona State College.

The Sharks came out sharp, jumping ahead in the first inning when Caroline Mito set the tone at the top. Mito reached and later scored on an RBI single from Leyani Viruet, who delivered again in the third inning with another RBI knock to give Miami Dade a 2–0 lead. Viruet finished with two hits and drove in both runs, providing all of the offense on the day.

But the momentum shifted in the third, when Daytona State capitalized on errors to even the score. A two-run double tied the game at 2–2, with both runs going down as unearned. From there, the Falcons continued to take advantage, pushing across another unearned run in the fifth and adding insurance in the sixth to take control.

Despite the loss, Amanda Handa was dominant in the circle. The right-hander struck out 10 over six innings, allowing just one earned run on six hits. However, four hit batters and three defensive errors behind her extended innings and ultimately swung the game.

Offensively, Miami Dade managed six hits and drew six walks but couldn't capitalize, leaving 13 runners on base. Mito added two stolen bases and scored both runs, while Alyssa Densmore also swiped a bag as the Sharks showed flashes on the bases.

In the end, it was missed opportunities and defensive lapses that told the story, as Miami Dade let an early lead slip away in the series opener.