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

1. Bald Knob
2014 record: 26-3
Head coach: Chris Humes

The Bulldogs breezed to a 3A state title and finished No. 65 in the MaxPreps computer rankings. They graduated only one senior off last year's 13-person roster and should return junior pitcher Autumn Humes (18-1, 0.88 ERA) and senior pitcher Brooke Mason (8-1, 1.25). The lineup should be stout with Humes (.484), junior Lindsey Duncan (.419, 41 runs, 18 stolen bases) and Mason (.383, five triples, three homers, 44 RBIs) leading the charge.

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

2. Foreman
2014 record: 31-4
Head coach: Richard McMillan



The Gators are the defending 2A state champions and though they lost five seniors to graduation, they return standout pitcher Crystal Kegley (27-4, 1.45 ERA, 183 strikeouts, 183 innings). Foreman hit an astounding .440 as a team last season and returns three .500 hitters, including Hali Jester (.549, 42 RBIs) and Kylie Cowan (.518, 52 runs, 43 stolen bases), who will both be sophomores. The Gators stole a remarkable 260 bases, too. Kegley was also the team's big slugger, as she hit .589 with 16 doubles, four triples and state-leading marks of 12 home runs and 68 RBIs.

View last season's Arkansas softball playoff brackets

3. Russellville
2014 record: 21-4-1
Head coach: Harley Sisson

One of the state's largest rosters – 24 players – lost just four seniors. The Cyclones lost in the state 6A semifinals to eventual champion Benton, 2-1. Russellville should return overpowering pitcher Andrea Kindrick, who went 21-3 last year with 296 strikeouts in 142 innings and a scant 0.30 ERA. She also hit a blistering .604 in 83 plate appearances and was walked 28 times. She had nine doubles and seven home runs and 34 RBIs, all team bests. Other top hitters returning are Victoria Teague (.356), Jocelyn Brown (.389) and Ashley Pizzolato (.316).

View last season's Arkansas softball stat leaders

4. Nashville
2014 record: 21-7
Head coach: Paul Ernest

Nashville was the top seed in the 4A state playoffs and received a first-round bye but was then stunned by Valley View 1-0. Another robust roster of 27 players, the Scrappers lost six to graduation and should return a remarkable 12 players who were freshmen in 2014, including pitchers Anna Kesterson (15-3, 1.98) and Brittany Hilliard (5-2). Nashville also returns top hitters Alyssa Harrison (.414), Kaylea Carver (.394) and Hannah White (.328).



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5. Atkins
2014 record: 19-6
Head coach: Tracey Brown

Atkins was eliminated by Bald Knob in the second round of the 3A playoffs last season and lost just one senior off a 22-person roster. The Red Devils return top pitcher Alex Webb (0.96 ERA), who also hit a team-best .593. Other top hitters returning are Kaylen Martin (.417), Stephanie Aldrete (.364) and Payton Harvill (.333).