MaxPreps 2015 Vermont preseason softball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

By Staff Report Mar 21, 2015, 12:00am

Mount Anthony is the top team in Vermont this season. Also watch out for Missisquoi Valley, Essex, Bellows Free Academy-St. Albans and Vergennes.

Graphic by Ryan Escobar

MaxPreps 2015 Vermont Softball Fab 5 presented by the Army National Guard

1. Mount Anthony (Bennington)
2014 record: 18-2
Head coach: Katie Contrada

The defending Division I state champions have pitcher Baylee Ports coming back for her senior season. Kori Bow will play a big role in the offense as a junior. Mount Anthony had last won the state title in 1988.


View last season's Vermont softball rankings, presented by the Army National Guard

2.
Missisquoi Valley (Swanton)
2014 record: 13-3
Head coach: Jay Hartman

The Thunderbirds were edged 4-3 by Mount Anthony in the Division I title game, but it was a great run to the final. Now they're back to fight for the school's first title since 1994.

View last season's Vermont softball playoff brackets

3. Essex (Essex Junction)
2014 record: 15-1
Head coach: Randy Wells

The Hornets were the top seed entering the Division I playoffs last season, then were ousted by Missisquoi Valley in the semifinals. Star pitcher Ali Rutz comes back for her junior campaign after all-metro honors. It will certainly require a rebuilding job though, as only four players with varsity experience return.




4.
Bellows Free Academy (St. Albans)
2014 record: 13-3
Head coach: Richard Berthiaume

The Bobwhites lost to Mount Anthony in the Division I semifinals in last year's playoffs. Junior Devan Blodgett was named all-metro as a catcher last season and also has experience pitching.


5.
Vergennes
2014 record: 17-3
Head coach:
Mike Sullivan

The No. 2 seed in Division II last year lost to Otter Valley in the state final, the second-straight finals loss for the program. The Commodores have Tamara Aunchman returning after an all-metro season to help lead the way.