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

1. Anoka
2015 record: 24-2-1, Class 3A state runner-up
Head coach: Toni Jesinoski

The Tornadoes are coming off a great season in which they advanced all the way to the 3A title game. All but two players are back from that squad, so this could be an exciting season ahead. The team's top two pitchers, Amber Elliott and Molly Swenson, are both back for their junior seasons. When Elliott went down for a month due to an MCL strain, Swenson filled in nicely. Three of the best hitters return in senior Makayla Zimmer, junior Laura King and sophomore Gina Wilson.

See last season's Minnesota softball computer rankings

2. Becker
2015 record: 22-3
Head coach: Jason Baune



Advancing to their first state semifinal last season, the Bulldogs – with 22 wins, third-most in school history -- have some unfinished business this year. Junior Brianna Corey will step in for Haley Harmon, the Granite Ridge Conference MVP, as the ace of the pitching staff. Senior Hailey Fitzpatrick is the team's best offensive weapon and was named the conference offensive player of the year. Seniors Erika Schwartz and Payton Williams will also provide offensive spark for the Bulldogs.

See Minnesota softball photo galleries

3. Woodbury
2015 record: 19-7
Head coach: Bob Samson

The Royals have a solid starting unit returning after getting to the state tournament a season ago. Junior Ashley Mickschl is coming off a great season in the circle and she's teamed with batterymate Shannon Motzko, who is solid behind the plate. Mickschl is also one of the team's top hitters. Alexis Jacobs also is a strong hitter as a third baseman.

See last season's Minnesota softball playoff brackets

4. Eastview (Apple Valley)
2015 record: 24-3, Class 3A state champion
Head coach: Trevor Monroe

The Lightning capped a phenomenal 2015 season with a state title. In order for the team to return to state, it will need its veterans to play well. Eastview graduated its ace pitcher Kerrigan Hoshaw, who was first-team all-state. She will be replaced by sophomore Grace Gall, who saw some time in the circle in 2015. Senior Sam Gall is a strong outfielder who was named to the all-state tournament team. Sophomore infielder/catcher Abby Lien, another all-tournament team member, was one of the team's better hitters last year.



See last season's Minnesota softball stat leaders

5. Kasson-Mantorville (Kasson)
2015 record: 28-2, Class 2A state champion
Head coach: Jeff Fague

It was a wild ride the last two seasons for the Komets. The team went 55-2 during that stretch with two state titles. Last year, the Komets pitching staff allowed just nine runs. Maddie Damon, who is now pitching at Purdue, was a huge part of the team's success, leaving as the state's all-time strikeout queen. Senior Chante Thome will fill the big void in the circle. Senior shortstop McKenzie Hemann and junior catcher Mikayla Grant were both all-tournament team selections at state and will be relied upon heavily this season.