By Rick Pedone
Sports Editor

Harmony edged St. Cloud, 58-49, to win its fourth consecutive Orange Belt Conference girls weightlifting championship Wednesday at the new St. Cloud High gym.

Poinciana (39) and Osceola (35) were close behind at the seven-team meet that also included Liberty, Gateway and Celebration.

Harmony girls won two individual championships: Melissa Albert (150-160-310) at 139 pounds and Lauren Harris (125-150-275) at 154.

Coach Jerrad Butler said his team persevered through a season of injuries and other adversities to continue its championship reign.

“The OBC meet was the first meet that our entire squad was healthy and ready to go,” Butler said. “Every girl hit their personal best in the bench press and the clean. I’m very happy for them. We broke five school records last night. This OBC championship means more than any of the others because I know how hard our girls worked.”

Poinciana had three individual champs in Kiera Johnson (140-135-275) at 169, Kandra Anderson (170-140-310) at 183 and Bianca Brown (140-135-275) at heavyweight.

Osceola and St. Cloud each boasted two champions.

The Kowgirls’ Tynia Gaither (140-145-285) won at 119 and Zanquina Ellison (170-175-345) easily won at 129 pounds.

St. Cloud’s Iliana Bonilla (105-125-230) was first at 101 and Annie Barberi (125-125-250) captured the 110 title.

Liberty’s Kendra Hooks (120-150-270) won at 199.

Six of the OBC champions will compete next Saturday at the state meet at the Kissimmee Civic Center by placing among the top three at the sectional meet Jan. 26 at Timber Creek.

Two won sectional crowns. Osceola’s Ellison, who won a 2009 state title, was first at 129 pounds with a 350-pound total lift.

Poinciana’s  Anderson won the 183-pound sectional championship with a lifts of 170-160-330. Coach Joel Campbell believes Anderson can place among the top six at the state meet.

Osceola’s Gaither (280) placed second at 119.

St. Cloud’s Bonilla (220)  qualified at 101 pounds and Barberi (245) qualified at 110.

Harmony’s Albert (295) was second at 139 pounds.

Admission to the state meet next Saturday is $8, cash only. Parking is $5.