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

1. Kimberly
2014 record: 27-3, Division 1 state champion
Head coach: Bill Weyers

Last season, the Papermakers weren't going to be denied of their seven state title, the second-most in state history. Kimberly downed No. 1-ranked Kaukauna, which it lost to three times in the regular season, in the sectional final en route to state. The Papermakers return every starter from last year's team. That spells trouble for their opponents. University of Oregon commit Megan Kleist is coming off a great season. In the circle, she was 16-2 with an ERA of 0.89 and 140 strikeouts. At the plate, she hit .431 with four home runs and 28 RBIs. The senior was also joined on the Wisconsin Fastpitch Softball Coaches Association (WFSCA) all-state team with the following teammates: third baseman Jenna Smarzinski, .409 batting average, 15 doubles and 19 stolen bases; catcher Abby Menting, .422 and 28 RBIs, plus outfielder Sara Rosenow, .396 and 24 RBIs.

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

2. Westosha Central (Salem)
2014 record: 27-4, Division 1 state runner-up
Head coach: Thomas Lampe



The Falcons have made three consecutive trips to state and have played in the title game the past two seasons. The team has back five starters from last year's group that nearly pulled off back-to-back state championships. WFSCA Division 1 Player of the Year Kayla Konwent had a phenomenal sophomore campaign. She hit .533 with 12 home runs in 92 at-bats and 48 RBIs. Westosha Central also has back its No. 1 pitcher in Alyssa Hrncar, who was selected third-team all-state as a freshman. She finished 18-2 in the circle with a 1.23 ERA. The Falcons will have to replace a solid middle of their defense in shortstop Larkin Langston, WFSCA first-team selection, and centerfielder Taylor Bergles, who both graduated.

View last season's Wisconsin softball playoff brackets

3. Kaukauna
2014 record: 27-2
Head coach: Tim Roehrig

The Galloping Ghosts had a 27-game winning streak last season. However, they didn't make the state tournament. The top-ranked team in Division 1 was upended by Kimberly, its rival that is separated by just five miles. The Ghosts lost six seniors, but return a strong nucleus of players. WFSCA first-team pitcher Haley Hestekin is back for her sophomore season. She is joined by first-team all-state senior infielder Haley Huss, junior infielder Amanda Diedrich and senior outfielders Morgan Johnson and Alissa Heid. Kaukauna will have to fill the void left by catcher Keely Maloney and infielder Andrea Gocker, who were seniors.

View last season's Wisconsin softball stat leaders

4. Stevens Point
2014 record: 24-6
Head coach: Tom Drohner

The Panthers averaged 8.7 runs per game last season. Their offense combined with strong pitching propelled them to the state tournament. Stevens Point has six starters back, including the coach's daughter, pitcher Aubrey Drohner. She went 19-6 as a freshman and had an ERA just over 2.00. Battery mate Jordan Kawlewski was a WFCA second-team all-state selection last year as a sophomore. The Panthers will have to replace their top hitter in second baseman Brianna Flugaur (over .500 batting average) and top home run hitter in shortstop Megan Roth (eight homers).



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5. Hortonville
2014 record: 23-5
Head coach: Bob Pethke

The Polar Bears finished last season winning 13 of their final 14 games and advanced all the way to the state semifinals. The team hit double-digit runs in 12 games and will return some pop in its bats. However, pitching will determine how far Hortonville can get this season in the playoffs. As a sophomore, Sammi Sullivan was solid in the circle with a 21-3 record, 1.00 ERA and 170 strikeouts. Third baseman Jordyn Brennan was strong at the plate as a sophomore, registering about a .450 average with a team high in hits. Second baseman Ally Fox also hit around .400.