After Amador Valley — the state's top ranked team — Alhambra, led by one of the nation's top junior hitters Briana Perez, is the team to beat.
Alhambra current junior Briana Perez led the North Coast Section with 14 home runs last season.
Photo by Greg Jungferman
25-3
Coach: Paul Buccellato
The Bulldogs finished No. 30 in the state last season, according to the MaxPreps computer rankings, presented by the Army National Guard. They also won the North Coast Section Division II title, their second straight, third in five years and fourth overall. With 13 of their 14 players returning from last year's squad, the Bulldogs should be formidable again, though they'll have to replace starting pitcher Shelby Clemons.
Sam Whitworth had four appearances and should fill in nicely. Juniors
Karlee Sparacino (.448, 45 RBIs) and
Briana Perez (.608, 14 home runs) should lead the offense.
See last season's North Coast Section computer rankings
2. Castro Valley2015 record: 22-6
Coach: Marie Gray
The Trojans finished No. 41 in the final MaxPreps California computer rankings. They lost a tough 2-1 game to nationally ranked Amador Valley in the NCS Division I quarterfinals. They return 16 of 18 players off last year's roster, including stellar senior pitcher
Delaney Heller. Castro Valley is after its second NCS crown, the other coming in 1993.
See last season's NCS softball photo galleries
3. Bishop O'Dowd (Oakland)2015 record: 25-4
Coach: Michael Cobb
The Dragons won the NCS D-III title going away last year with a 9-1 win over Tamalpais in the finals. They outscored three playoff opponents by a combined 21-6 count. They return starting pitcher
Alexis Calzo (21-4, 2.04 ERA) and standout freshman (now a sophomore)
Frankie Hammoude, who hit .525 with nine homers and 49 RBIs last season. O'Dowd lost just two seniors on a 17-person roster.
See last season's NCS playoff brackets4. Foothill (Pleasanton)2015 record: 18-8
Coach: Matt Sweeney
The Falcons battled nationally ranked Amador Valley twice in the rugged East Bay Athletic League and lost 1-0 and 2-1 in extra innings. They return 11 of 17 players from last year's team, including
Jenna Crawford, sister of Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford. She has committed to UCLA.
See last season's NCS softball stat leaders
5. Newark Memorial (Newark)2015 record: 21-6
Coach: Rachel Kahoalii
The Cougars lost only two of 14 players to graduation from last year's squad that outscored foes 203-67 and lost in the D-II semifinals to Alhambra 2-1. Newark Memorial has won at least 20 games in five of the last 11 seasons under Kahoalii.
