Osceola, Harmony have two reps each

By Rick Pedone
Sports Editor
Four Osceola County softball players were recognized as the best players in their respective classes when Miracle Sports released its Class 5A and Class 4A all-state teams last week.
Harmony had two first-team selections in junior Breann Vanderzyl and sophomore Lauren Harris, a formidable combo who spearheaded the Lady Longhorns march to the Class 4A championship game in May.
Osceola High’s Alexa Ballard was named the top defensive player in Class 5A and was a first-team all-state selection. Shortstop Nicole Osterman was a third-team Class 5A all-state pick.
Both Osceola players are seniors.
Vanderzyl was seriously injured in an auto accident in late April, after Harmony’s regional quarterfinal victory against defending state champion Dunnellon. She was unable to participate in the team’s last four playoff games. She batted .303 and posted an 8-5 pitching record with a 1.81 ERA.
Vanderzyl is expected to recover fully from her injuries and contribute to the Longhorns next season under new coach Mike Clark.
Harris, a third-team selection last year, batted .411 with four home runs and was 12-3 with a 1.83 ERA on the mound. She was 1-1 at the state tournament and, after Vanderzyl’s injury, become the team’s primary pitcher.
Ballard, who was a third-team all-state pick last year, hit .453 this season while anchoring the Lady Kowboys defense at third base.
She will play at Florida Atlantic University.
Osterman was a three-year varsity starter at shortstop for Coach George Coffey’s Lady Kowboys and batted .530 this season with seven home runs.
She signed a softball scholarship to Miami-Dade College in January. She received honorable mention on last year’s all-state team.
The Miracle Sports selection committee consists of several current and former high school coaches.