By Rick Pedone
Sports Editor

Several Osceola County softball players were recently selected to the Miracle Sports all-state teams.

Harmony first baseman Emily Lanier was a Class 4A first-team selection. Lanier graduated in May.

She signed a scholarship to Florida Gulf Coast University of the Atlantic Sun Conference in November during the early signing period.

Lanier, who also catches, was the Osceola News-Gazette Softball Player of the Year for 2009.

Lanier batted .585 last season and drove in 14 runs in 17 games. She missed several games due to a foot injury. She had a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage.

Harmony Coach Ralph King called Lanier, “A natural coach on the field. She has the ability to make adjustments out there as situations arise.”

Two teammates joined Lanier on the Class 4A all-state team. Harmony rising sophomore Lauren Harris, an outfielder, is a third-team selection. Harris batted .333 and led the Longhorns with four home runs.

Shortstop Brittany Bruns, a rising senior, earned honorable mention.  Bruns batted .371 and doubled nine times.

Osceola High third baseman Alexa Ballard was a Class 5A third-team selection and shortstop Nicole Osterman received honorable mention. Both players are rising seniors. Ballard batted .552 and drove in 33 runs.