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

1. Indian Hills (Oakland)
2014 record: 34-0, Group 3 champion
Head coach: Joe Leicht

The Braves capped off a perfect season and defended its title with an 8-5 win over Ewing in the Group 3 title game. Leicht's squad became the first ever New Jersey softball team to go 34-0. Indian Hills will lose All-State performers Devin Durado and Madison Levine, but will return senior Shelby Allen, who delivered the go-ahead double in last year's title game.

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

2. Immaculate Heart Academy (Washington Township)
2014 record: 31-2, Non-Public A runner-up
Head coach: Anthony LaRezza



The Eagles lost a heart-breaker to Mount St. Dominic in the title game after beating the same team 9-2 in regular-season play. In 2015 LaRezza will have to do without state Gatorade Player of the Year Steph Thomas, along with All-State players Ally Frei, Angelina McGuire and Daniella Ibarra. Look for the youth movement to kick in this season with freshman Katie Kudlacik and sophomores Reese Guevarra and Olivia Sprofera leading the way.

View last season's New Jersey softball playoff brackets

3. North Hunterdon (Annandale)
2014 record: 23-7, Group 4 champion
Head coach: Anthony Rotondo

Rotondo led North Hunterdon to the Group 4 title in his first year as head coach, and should be in good shape to repeat the feat this season thanks to All-State senior Carly Severini. If the Lions can replace the pitching of Mason Spichiger, they should contend for another title.

View last season's New Jersey softball stat leaders

4. Hillsborough
2014 record: 26-2, Group 4 runner-up
Head coach: Cheryl Iaione



The Raiders came up short in the title game, but put together a stellar season. This year should bring more success for Iaione, as long as she can replace the loss of Star-Ledger Hitter of the Year Alyssa Vanderveer (13 home runs) and All-State selection Donna Conrad.

View New Jersey softball pro photo galleries

5. St. John-Vianney (Holmdel)
2014 record: 26-2, Non-Public South A runner-up
Head coach: Kim Lombardi

The Lancers lost to Immaculata in the Non-Public South A final, but ended the season on a high note by winning the Shore Conference Tournament. Lombardi's team is out for revenge in 2015 with returning All-State senior and Monmouth County Player of the Year Ashley Ventura leading the way.