MaxPreps 2017 Delaware preseason high school softball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

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1. Sussex Tech (Georgetown)
Head coach: John Marvel
2016 finish: 15-2

Twelve returning players who all made contributions make Sussex Tech the preseason favorite in the First State. Second-team All-State sophomore pitcher Taylor Wroten and senior catcher Shannon Lord, a third-team pick, give the Ravens one of the best pitcher-catcher duos in the state. Second-team All-State senior first baseman Madison Watson will anchor an experienced infield that is also potent at the plate.

Coach's outlook: "Bill Belichick said, ‘Talent sets the floor. Character sets the ceiling.' We believe that's true. As a result, our outlook is bright because of the character of everyone involved in the program."

See the MaxPreps Delaware softball computer rankings

2. Caravel (Bear)
Head coach: Tony Peterson
2016 finish: 15-3

A representative from three different classes gives Caravel the firepower to repeat as state champion. Senior Emily Proffitt (.385, 17 RBIs), junior Grace Walker (.333, 15 RBIs) and sophomore Nicole Marcon (.302, 11 RBIs) return to the starting lineup as Caravel aims to win a Delaware-best 11th softball state championship.

Coach's outlook: "We have several strong young players who should help us compete for a playoff spot. Our mental toughness will be the key for success this year."

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3. Appoquinimink (West Middletown)
Head coach: Brian Timpson
2016 finish: 14-4 Appoquinimink returns seven starters, including first-team All-State selections senior pitcher Mackenzie Short (12-3, 0.91 ERA) and senior outfielder Taylor Coleman (.492, 16 RBIs). Second-team All-State junior first baseman Brooke Miller (.422, 26 RBIs, six homers) will provide additional offensive firepower for a Jaguar team that will face one of the state's toughest schedules.

Coach's outlook: "We are optimistic about the season and hope this year we can take the next step and make a run at the state championship. This season will be tough, as we play over half of last year's tournament field. But if we can come together as a team and grow together we can have a successful season."

See the MaxPreps Delaware softball stat leaders

4. Padua Academy (Wilmington)
Head coach: Peter Boyer
2016 finish: 15-3

Second-team All-State pitcher Abby Cunningham returns to the circle for her senior season and will throw to battery-mate Hannah Williams, a junior honorable mention All-State selection. The tandem will be joined in the infield by honorable mention All-State sophomore shortstop Caitlin Baxter, sophomore third-baseman Alex Musial and senior first baseman Amelia Giordano. Sophomore Katie Twardowski also returns in the outfield.

Coach's outlook: "With a strong and experienced core back and the addition of a talented freshman class the Pandas look to go deep into the tournament this season. A strong schedule will have Padua ready for the postseason."

See the MaxPreps Delaware softball playoff brackets

5. Delaware Military Academy (Wilmington)
Head coach: Roman Allin
2016 finish: 10-8

DMA returns several key players, including seniors Emily Subda (.345, outfielder) and Lana Brown (.325, flex hitter); juniors Lexi Johnson (.404, centerfielder) and Ali Novotny (.326, infielder); and sophomores Samantha Freeland (.426, shortstop) and Brooke Conaty (.361, catcher).

Coach's outlook: "We have a very strong incoming freshman class — including two legitimate pitchers we are very excited about — that we think will have a large impact on our success and goals for this season. Putting them together with our group of returning players has us very excited to get this season started."

Jon Buzby is a member of the Fox Sports 1290 high school broadcast team and sportswriter for the Newark Post.