Florida Tech Alumna Shanysse, Xiarysse Emerenciana to Compete at Central American and Caribbean Games
By Tiffany Jacobs, Florida Tech News Bureau // July 8, 2023
Team Curacao looks to secure a fifth-place finish
BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – Florida Tech softball assistant coaches and Panther Alumni ’19, Shanysse and Xiarysse Emerenciana are competing for Team Curacao in the 2023 Central American and Caribbean Games (CAC), being held Sunday, July 2 to Friday, July 7 in El Salvador.
“It’s such an honor to play for my country and represent Curaçao in the Central American and Caribbean Games!” said X. Emerenciana. “The experience has been phenomenal! Coming from a small country in the Caribbean, we’ve shown that we can compete and have the talent.
“I am forever grateful for the opportunity and will continue to represent Curaçao for a long time. We are a small country with lots of talent and are slowly making our way up there!”
Team Curaçao was placed into Group B of the tournament for preliminary rounds along with Cuba, Mexico, and Team WBSC. The Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, and El Salvador rounded out Group A. All eight countries are competing for a spot in the final round.
To open tournament play, Curaçao fell to Cuba on day one but bounced back defeating Centro Caribe Sports 1-0. Curaçao battled in a close game against Mexico but ultimately lost 1-0. Curaçao responded by defeating El Salvador 7-2 before falling to the Dominican Republic 2-1.
S. Emerenciana tallied two hits, two runs, and three RBIs through four games, while X. Emerenciana managed seven putouts and four assists for a 1.000 fielding percentage.
“Even though this is the Central American and Caribbean games, it feels like we’re at the Olympics. The support for every sport is incredible, and you get the chance to network and connect with athletes from different countries. This has been such a unique experience that we are grateful for.” said S. Emerenciana.
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