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

1. Johnston
2014 finish: 37-3
Head coach: Todd Merical

The Dragons romped their way to the 5A state title last season and bring back a pair of big-name players in the quest for another championship. Haylee Towers is back for her junior year after an all-state performance in the pitching circle last season and infielder Brooke Wilmes returns after all-state accolades as well - and she is just a sophomore. Valley, Waukee and Dowling were the only teams to beat Johnston last season.

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

2. Dallas Center-Grimes (Dallas Center)
2014 finish: 41-1
Head coach: Steve Schlafke



Paige Lowary (pitcher) and Allison O'Brien (infielder) graduated after first-team all-state seasons. Lowary was the Pitcher of the Year in 4A. But the Mustangs have Rachel Lowary (sophomore), who was a second-team pitcher. Last season they finished with 11 shutouts in their final 12 games en route to the 4A title. Their only loss was to Johnston.

View last season's national softball playoff brackets

3. Dowling (West Des Moines)
2014 finish: 30-9
Head coach: Matt Murillo

The Maroons placed third in the state last season. Pitcher of the Year Claudia Farrell has graduated but infielder Julia Bastian will be back for her sophomore season after second-team all-state recognition. Senior utility player Sierra Walton will also play a big role.

View last season's national softball stat leaders

4. Solon
2014 finish: 39-3
Head coach: Jim White



The Spartans fell to Dallas Center-Grimes in the 4A title game last season, losing 5-0. Star outfielder Taylor Nearad was the 4A Player of the Year with 70 hits (.547) and 58 RBIs and she will be back for her senior campaign. Senior catcher Ali Herdliska was a first-team all-state player, so was senior pitcher Emily Ira.

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5. Jefferson (Cedar Rapids)
2014 finish: 35-8
Head coach: Brian Erbe

The Hawks finished with a slightly disappointing seventh in the 5A bracket last season. But a lot of talent is coming back. Catcher Maddie Hansen is back for her senior season after first-team all-state honors, the same with pitcher Alyssa Olson, who was the Pitcher of the Year in 5A. Pitcher Alissa Good made the second team as well.