By: J. Daniel Pearson
Traditionally, the battle for county dominance in girls’ high school softball has shifted between Harmony, Osceola and St. Cloud. When one of those teams won the Orange Belt Conference crown, the other two were most likely nipping at their heels.
With a new season opening last week, nothing much is likely to change as the head coaches of the Lady Bulldogs, Longhorns and Kowboys enter the season with high expectations.
One of the most interesting teams is Miranda Watford’s Osceola squad. The Lady Kowboys started six freshmen in their lineup last year and began the season 2-5. But after dropping a second-round game in the OBC tournament, they came on strong to beat Harmony to win a district championship, advance to regionals and finish at 14-10.
Those freshmen starters, which include sisters Faith ( C) and Destiny (OF) Ferrer, Tenley Dawson (SS) and Samantha Edwards (1B) all have a year’s experience under their belt and should lead a strong Osceola team for years to come. Finding quality and depth at pitching is a concern, with Milanys Lopez – a freshman – getting the majority of innings early in this season.
“We’re still awfully young, but I like the make-up and chemistry of this team,” Watford said. “This group is tough as nails and is willing to put the work in to be successful.”
Veteran coach Ray Whobrey returns a lot of talent off of last year’s 13-15 squad. That record is a little deceptive, as St. Cloud played a tough schedule – including participation in two highly competitive tournaments. The Lady Bulldogs finished as both OBC and District runner-ups and advanced to regional play.
The returning line-up includes county Player of the Year Addison Felblinger (P/1B) and solid position players Kacey Pagan (SS/2B), Savannah Barlow (3B) and Khia Crezeli (OF). Whobrey also welcomes two freshmen in Skylah Rodriguez (C) and Madelis Reyes (OF) who could contribute early.
“This could be my most talented team ever at St. Cloud,” Whobrey said. “We are young, but we definitely have talent and we are entering the season with high expectations.”
Another team with annually high expectations is Harmony, the defending OBC Tournament Champions, a district runner-up team to Osceola, and also a regional qualifier. Coach Kristi Mindrup returns her top pitcher in Lindsay Green and a solid power hitter in junior Emerson Aslan. Haley Diaz (SS) and Nicole Yi (C/3B) will provide senior leadership.
“We lost some talented players to graduation last year, but we return a sold group of players,” Mindrup said. “Our goal is to improve each week, be a competitive ball club all season, and hopefully exceed last year’s win total.”
While building a program, Tohopekaliga’s Chantal Schuster’s Lady Tigers have won 24 games over the last two seasons, but are still not on the same level as the county’s big three — with an all-time record of 0-18 against Osceola, St. Cloud and Harmony.
Tohopekaliga has made a lot of progress in the last two seasons, including winning a school record 14 games last season. Schuster sees that progress and believes that by playing a tougher schedule this season it will help her young team build confidence.
“Our coaches are excited about the potential of this squad. We will be playing a lot of young players this season but we have enough veteran leadership to lead this team and make a difference. We know to become a better team we have to play better teams and our schedule reflects that.”
Toho’s top players are sophomores Maria Santiago (P/2B) and Anaya Josue (OF); as well as junior Jessilyn Diaz (2B/SS/P).
Gateway coach Samuel Milien welcomes back a veteran squad that includes seniors Jaylynn Subbio ( CF/SS, P/3B), Destiny Montanez (P/OF/INF), Naomi Joseph (2B/OF); Adriana Fisch (1B), as the Panthers attempt to improve on last year’s winless season.
Liberty (Casey Peabbles), Celebration (Tor Kraft) and Poinciana (Darrin Payne) are all under first year coaches. Poinciana was 14-11 last year and had a potent offense led by catcher Aidalee Vargas, who returns. But Payne noted that “It’s definitely a rebuilding year for us and that includes the coaching staff as I am returning to the field for the first time in 10 years. We’re young and we’ll make some mistakes, but I believe we can be competitive.”
Part of Payne’s optimism stems from the fact that sister newcomers Ashley (Fr., SS/C/1B) and transfer
Angie Figueroa (Jr., 3B) should contribute immediately.
The Lady Chargers were 8-13 last year and Peabbles will have veterans Kaiyn Mejia (Sr., 1B), Shayne Bullard (Jr., SS), Mylee Rodriguez (Jr., C/UTL) to work; with as well as talented newcomers Mahealani Hanuszczak (So., OF) and Andrea Lee (So., 2B).
After slipping to 4-16 last season, new coach Kraft hopes to turnaround Celebration’s recent fortunes. “This year we hope to go stronger both on and off the field. With our new coaching staff, we hope to improve in all aspects of the game as we build a competitive program devoted to teamwork, support of each other, and pushing the program to new heights. We want to establish a program that will give our seniors a chance to play at the next level if that is their dream. Winning will always be a goal, but so will having fun, staying positive and building memories.”
Kraft will rely on veterans Isabella Bayona (So., C/P), Valeria Castellano (Jr., SS/P), Mariah Isabel (Sr., P/C/1B), Gigi Reyes (So., 3B/P) for leadership.
