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

1. Polytech (Woodside)
Head coach: Jennifer Bradshaw
2015 record: 17-1 regular season, state champion

Four seniors return to the starting lineup as the Panthers try to defend their title: Catcher Whitney Demora (.449 batting average), second baseman Morgan Dodge (.355), shortstop Hayley Friess (.314) and outfielder Amanda Waishes (.281). Senior lefthander Taylor Pechin will be the team's top pitcher and swings a hefty bat, evinced by last season's .412 batting average.

Coach's outlook: "We will be led by a very skilled and experienced senior class. I have no doubt that they will impart their knowledge upon the underclassmen as we set our sights on another deep run in the state tournament."
 
See last season's Delaware softball computer rankings

2. Padua Academy (Wilmington)
Head coach: Peter Boyer
2015 record: 12-6 regular season, state tournament quarterfinals



Three-time first team all-state outfielder Kierstin Fallers along with junior Abby Cunningham (.405 batting average) and sophomore Hannah Williams (.585, second team all-state) will anchor a talented team that touts an outstanding freshman class. Cunningham and Lynsey Grant are the projected starting pitchers.

Coach's outlook: "We are a young team that will build on a lot of state tournament experience that will improve and grow with every game."

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3. Caravel (Bear)
Head coach: Tony Peterson
2015 record: 18-4, state tournament runner-up

Senior outfielder Alexa Proffitt (.466) and junior shortstop Samantha Esper (.396) will provide the offensive spark for Caravel while junior pitcher Holly Brooks (17 wins) will take the circle most games as the Bucs try to return to the state title game.

Coach's outlook: "We hope our experience and dedication will help us along the way. Like always it will depend on how well we come together as the season moves on. We should be able to make a strong run for the state tournament."



See last season's Delaware softball playoff brackets

4. Sussex Tech (Georgetown)
Head coach: John Marvel
2015 record: 10-7, state tournament first round

Coach John Marvel is back at the helm after retiring as head coach following the 2012 season, when he led the Ravens to the state championship. Returning senior players include Taylor Collins (3B), Nicole Hovater (2B/OF), Sarah James (P), Elisha Marks (OF) and Laurie Wroten (OF).

Coach's outlook: "There is a lot of enthusiasm throughout the program!"

See last season's Delaware softball stat leaders

5. Lake Forest (Felton)
Head coach: Ashlie Tatman
2015 record: 12-6, state tournament first round



The Spartans must replace ace Katherine Betts in the circle, and whoever gets the nod will most likely be throwing to Catera Kennedy, the lone returning senior on this year's team.

Coach's outlook: "I expect our team to be competitive, have a better record than last year, and make it to the state tournament."

Jon Buzby is a member of the Fox Sports 1290 high school broadcast team and sportswriter for the Newark Post