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

Mission Viejo, Pacifica (Garden Grove), Chino Hills and Norco are not included in this list, as they are in the state's overall Fab 5

1. Santiago (Corona)
2014 finish: 24-7
Head coach: John Perez

The Sharks stumbled at the end of the season, losing in the first round of the playoffs, but still return a very talented roster. All four pitchers who saw work last season return in junior Kacie Gresenz, junior Kirstin Mapes, sophomore Koryne Coddington and senior Devyn Cretz. Outfielder Marissa Varrati returns for her junior season after hitting .349 with seven doubles, 23 RBIs and four homers and shortstop Nichole Fry will be a senior after hitting .467 with 43 RBIs, 10 doubles and four homers.

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



2. Los Alamitos
2014 finish: 21-12
Head coach: Rob Weil

The Griffins bring back sophomore pitcher Ryan Denhart, the co-Rookie of the Year in the Sunset League. Shortstop Jenna Holcomb (junior) is back after garnering first team all-league honors, while second team honorees coming back include senior outfielder Taylor Covington and sophomore shortstop/catcher Mary Iakopo.

View last season's California softball playoff brackets

3. Los Osos (Rancho Cucamonga)
2014 finish: 25-4
Head coach: Mike Randall

The Grizzlies bring back senior Paige Halstead at shortstop and senior third baseman/pitcher Ciera Schick, each of whom earned first team all-league honors in the Baseline League. Senior utility player Samantha Young made it to the second team. Senior outfielder Kaitlyn Jennings and junior utility player Samantha Vacko were on the honorable mention list. Los Osos was a Division 1 quarterfinalist last season.

View last season's California softball stat leaders



4. Moorpark
2014 finish: 26-4
Head coach: Meaghan Stotts

The Musketeers still have tons of offense, led by senior All-American outfielder Amanda Lorenz, who hit .642 with eight homers, 16 stolen bases and 22 doubles, plus senior Kassidy Simons, who clubbed 12 homers and drove in 46 runs in addition to a 21-1 pitching record. Junior infielder Sierra Huerta hit .309 with 19 RBIs and senior outfielder Lauren Cowden hit .366.

View the MaxPreps Northern Section softball pro photo galleries

5. Vista Murrieta (Murrieta)
2014 finish: 21-9
Head coach: Dan Torres

The Broncos return second team MaxPreps All-American Sydney Romero in the middle infield after she smashed 11 homers, stole 13 bases and hit .612 as a junior. Junior Tristen Edwards was a second team all-league selection in the Southwestern League after she hit .359 with 20 RBIs. Losing star pitcher Selina Ta'amlio will be tough, look for sophomore Shealyn Ollisen to get significant time in the pitching circle.