MaxPreps 2016 Indiana preseason high school softball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

1. Crown Point
Head coach: Ginger Britton
2015 finish: 29-3

After posting a 58-4 record during the past two years, the veteran Bulldogs appear ready to reach the top and win the Class 4A state title. They return eight starters, including a pair of outstanding Division I pitchers. Senior Miranda Elish (University of Oregon) compiled a 15-1 record last year and batted .479 while driving in 32 runs. In 106 innings she struck out 198, walked 19, allowed 39 hits and had a 0.591 ERA. Junior Alexis Holloway (verbal to Notre Dame) had a 14-2 record with 186 strikeouts in 100 innings and batted .354. Junior shortstop Mackenzie Dunlap batted .392 and drove in 26 runs. She has committed to Northwestern.

See last season's Indiana computer rankings

 2. Penn (Mishawaka)
Head coach: Beth Zachary
2015 finish: 28-3



The Kingsmen also are loaded with eight returning starters and eight players receiving college scholarships - including all five seniors. Junior all-state pitcher Danielle Watson (verbal to Louisville) posted a 24-2 record last year with 275 strikeouts and a 1.50 ERA along with a .392 batting average and 38 RBIs. Junior center fielder Katie Quinlan (verbal to Michigan State) batted .541, scored 44 runs and drove in 21. Senior shortstop Halle Hixenbaugh (Boston College) batted .432 and scored 30 runs. Senior catcher Alyssa Griman (Illinois-Chicago) batted .432 and drove in 32 runs.

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3. Center Grove (Greenwood)
Head coach: Russ Milligan
2015 finish: 29-2

The surprise Class 4A state champions have five returning starters with hopes of a repeat. The Trojans will have to depend heavily on last year's No. 2 pitcher, senior Taylor Hammill, who had a 4-0 record and saved both the semistate and state championship games in relief. The Auburn University volleyball signee struck out 23 in 26 innings and walked only two. Sophomore third baseman Jordyn Rudd (verbal to Northwestern) batted .516 while driving in 33 runs and scoring 33. Senior shortstop Delainey Turner (IUPUI signee) batted .346 and scored 32 runs from the leadoff slot. Senior second baseman Mandy Dallas batted .375 with 11 doubles and 25 RBIs. 

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4. Floyd Central (Floyds Knobs)
Co-head coaches: Troy Striegel and Sean Payne
2015 finish: 28-8



The Highlanders have, perhaps, the fastest team in the state. They love to slap the ball and run wild on the bases. Last year they stole 121 bases and were caught just 16 times. Though standout catcher Regan Hadley already is enrolled at Memphis University, they return seven starters, headed by No. 1 pitcher Kassie King, a senior who posted a 17-4 record with 153 strikeouts and a 1.30 ERA. Junior center fielder Jensen Striegel (verbal to Murray State) batted .441, scored 47 runs and stole 26 bases in the leadoff position. Junior left fielder Taylor Castleberry (verbal to Ball State) batted .444 and scored 50 runs. Senior shortstop Gabbi Jenkins (Indiana University) batted .475 and drove in 56 runs to lead the state.

See last season's Indiana softball stat leaders

5. Franklin Central (Indianapolis)
Head coach: Kathy Stricker
2015 finish: 19-6

The veteran Flashes have nine seniors - all headed for college - and return eight starters. Senior Raegan Sparks batted .448, scored 27 runs and drove in 24. Senior Delaney Thompson batted .415, scored 26 runs and drove in 33, while senior Elena Horen batted .403 and scored 25 runs. Junior shortstop Claire Gilliland batted .451 and drove in 29 runs. Sophomore Katie Back is one of four pitchers and is expected to make a major impact.