The PTP softball players of the week

The fans’ pick

C/3B/1B Lily Holtje, Fr., Steinbrenner

Lily Holtje was among three freshmen who made the 16-player roster for Steinbrenner. 

The trio of newcomers have all had prominent roles in helping the Warriors rocket up the rankings. Steinbrenner currently is No. 1 in Class 7A, No. 2 overall in the state and No. 5 nationally according to MaxPreps. 

Winning the Palm Harbor Lady Canes Spring Classic was a big reason for the Warriors lofty status.

Holtje had a big impact at that tournament. She finished a combined 8-for-11 with two doubles, a homer and eight RBIs to help Steinbrenner go 5-0 for the week and take the title.

Fans were impressed. Holtje received 42 percent of the votes (29,372) to beat out East Lake’s Emma Ream, who had more than 38 percent (26,844). 

The PTP picks

C Ava Ramirez, Sr., Plant: Went a combined 10-for-17 with five home runs, a double and 12 RBIs to help the Panthers go 4-1 for the week. 

P Emma Ream, Fr., East Lake: Threw a combined 34 innings for the week, allowing nine runs and recording 51 strikeouts to help the Eagles reach the final of the Lady Canes Spring Classic. 

SS Karley Shelton, Fr., Newsome: Hit homers in three straight games, the last a walk-off blast against Plant that helped the Wolves win the title at the Canterbury PSA Softball Classic.