MaxPreps 2017 Arizona preseason high school softball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

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1. Hamilton (Chandler)
2016 record: 31-7
Head coach: Rocky Parra

The big-school defending champion returns four players who hit over .400 with at least 100 at-bats, led by Taylor Gindlesperger (.486, 13 extra base hits, 29 runs, 36 RBIs) and Ali Ashner (.477, 13 extra base hits, 36 runs and 22 RBIs). The Huskies have three arms back in the fold, including Madison Seigworth (12-3, 1.65 ERA).

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2. O'Connor (Phoenix)
2016 record: 29-11
Head coach: Melissa Hoban

The Eagles return a solid core from last year's squad that was among the last five teams left among the big schools. Emma Vesely (6-2, 3.71 ERA) should be the top arm, but O'Connor's strength should come at the plate. Hayley Busby (.528, 14 HRs, 26 doubles, 43 runs, 70 RBIs) is a Player of the Year candidate, while Savanna Avilla (.496, 35 runs, 20 RBIs) and Grace Lyons (.467, 6 HRs, 49 runs, 36 RBIs) should be very productive as well.

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3. Pinnacle (Phoenix)
2016 record: 30-8
Head coach: Kelly Loerakker Loerakker takes over a program left in a very good position by Bobby Pena after the Pioneers finished as the big-school runner up. The Pioneers have two aces in the circle in CC Cook (18-3, 1.02) and Marissa Schuld (11-5, 1.37). A trio of bats should push the offense, as Jackie Kelley, Nicole Amodio and Jessica Mabrey all hit .380 or better last season.

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4. Desert Ridge (Mesa)
2016 record: 25-10
Head coach: Jennifer Broderick



The Jaguars had consistent offense last year behind returners Leah Molina (.496, 12 extra base hits, 52 runs and 21 RBIs), while Shaylee Ackerman looks to build off last year's huge freshman campaign when she hit .462 with 13 home runs and 48 RBIs and also went 13-4 with a 3.52 ERA in the circle.

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5. Catalina Foothills (Tucson)
2016 record: 27-10
Head coach: Mark Stevens

After winning the Division III title last year, the Falcons are in a new conference, but it doesn't really matter which level Nic Conway (23-6, 1.06 ERA, 302 Ks in 198 innings) plays at because she likely will dominate. She also led the team with a .430 average with 30 RBIs. Natalie Stevens (.317, 29 runs, 18 RBIs) and Zoe Garcia (.311, 14 runs, 16 RBIs) will also provide quality at-bats.