MaxPreps 2015 California Central Section preseason softball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

1. Centennial (Bakersfield)
2014 finish: 28-4
Head coach: Samantha Walker

The Golden Hawks won it all in Division I, taking down Clovis 2-0 and then Buchanan 10-0. Bakersfield Californian co-Player of the Year Madison Aurin is back on the pitching rubber (10-0) and at the plate (.533) so there's reason to expect another crown. Throw in the return of first team choice Trish McNew (17-4, 1.00 ERA) and it adds reason why. Madison Hightower, a second team choice, returns at first base.

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

2. Clovis
2014 finish: 29-4
Head coach: Mike Noel



The Cougars had the top seed in the playoffs last season but fell to Centennial in the semifinals of the Division I bracket. What gets them the top spot here is that they have lots of talent returning. Senior Cayla Broussard (.518, 28 stolen bases) was a first-team Fresno Bee Spring All-Star and Tri-River Athletic Conference co-Offensive Player of the Year and senior Mackenzie Emmett (a .358 career hitter) was also on the first team in center field. Junior infielder Alyssa Caballero and senior catcher Cameryn Reichle were second team nominees.

View last season's California softball playoff brackets

3. Taft
2014 finish: 36-2
Head coach: Russell Emberson

The Wildcats blasted their way to the Division IV section title last season behind star pitcher Arizona Pilgrim, who is back for her senior year after going 30-2 with a 0.76 ERA, and fellow senior Caitlyn Emberson returns after 11 home runs, 20 doubles and a .587 batting average. This team beat Clovis last season, so don't let the small town home fool you.

View last season's California softball stat leaders

4. Buchanan (Clovis)
2014 finish: 19-18
Head coach: Dean Gregory



The Bears definitely didn't have an overwhelming record, but they did reach the Division I title game and also have good, youthful talent returning. Centerfielder Spencer Sansom hit .374 with 39 runs and Sienna Swain hit .428 with 18 RBIs from shortstop. Each was a first team Spring All-Star by the Fresno Bee. Starr Vang is yet another junior with two years of varsity experience and she was a second team Spring All-Star pick.

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5. Clovis West (Fresno)
2014 finish: 26-9
Head coach: Gary Battles

The Golden Eagles fell to Stockdale in the playoffs last season in the second round. They do get Cassidy Clark returning for her junior season after a first team Spring All-Star campaign that included a .490 batting average. Losing TRAC co-Offensive Player of the Year Madison Clark will leave a hole that needs to be filled at third base.