The PTP softball players of the week

The fans’ pick

INF Sydney Fowler, Jr, Mitchell

A starter since arriving at Mitchell two years ago, Sydney Fowler has made steady improvement, especially as a hitter. 

The junior’s average has increased each season, from .322 as a freshman to a team-leading .432 this season. She also took on even more of a workload as a pitcher, throwing 107.2 innings this season, more than the rest of the staff combined. 

Two weeks ago, Fowler had perhaps her best performance of the season when it mattered most. 

She threw a complete-game shutout and hit a two-run homer in a win over Venice to lead the Mustangs to their first 6A state semifinal appearance. 

Fans were impressed. Fowler finished with 50 percent of the votes (1,336) to beat out Hernando’s Olivia Townsend, who had 45 percent (1,203). 

The PTP pick

1B/P Olivia Townsend, Sr., Hernando

A four-year member on varsity, Olivia Townsend took on the leadership role this season. 

The veteran hit for average — and power. She finished fourth on the team in batting average  at .446, led in homers by tying her career-best with six and tied for the lead in RBIs with 39.this season. 

That’s not all. Townsend was a dependable starter on the mound, too. She finished second in wins with seven and in strikeouts with 45. 

Two weeks ago, Townsend played a pivotal role in helping the Leopards make their second straight state semifinal appearance. The senior finished a combined 3-for-4 with a homer and three RBIs in wins over Wesley Chapel in the Class 4A region semifinals and Lake Region in the region final.