The PTP softball players of the week

The fans’ pick

C/2B/OF Emma Nixon, Jr., Land O’ Lakes

Entering the Class 5A state tournament, Emma Nixon was fifth on the team in hitting with a .295 average. 

In the games that mattered most, she became one of the Gators’ most consistent performers on offense.

She ended up a combined 3-for-6 with a double and six RBIs in a win over Pace in the state semifinals and a loss to Fort Myers in the state final for the 5A runnerup Gators. 

Fans took notice. Nixon received more than 48 percent of the votes (1,497) to beat out Hernando’s Savannah Ellis, who had 36 percent (1,105).

The PTP picks

1B Alayah Pedersen, So., Canterbury

She went a combined 3-for-5 with a double, a homer and three RBIs in wins over Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy in the state semifinals and Jacksonville University Christian in the state final to help the Crusaders take home the Class 2A title.  

P/3B/2B Belle Sardja, Sr., Academy of the Holy Names

On the mound, she was effective, allowing a combined seven runs against Miami Westminster Christian in the state semifinal and against Windermere Prep in the final. Sardja also was solid at the plate, going a combined 4-for-8 with three RBIs and producing the winning hit in the title game for the 3A champion Jaguars.