MaxPreps 2015 Alaska preseason softball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

1. East (Anchorage)
2014 record: 27-0
Head coach: Paul Schoenborn

The Thunderbirds blasted their way to the large schools state title, registering a 29-4 scoring margin in the state tournament. And they've won 60 in a row - so it's an easy choice for this spot. They're 79-1 over the past three seasons, according to newsminer.com. Dominant pitcher Sydney Smith moved on after graduation but catcher Gabby Meyerson returns, so does infielder Taria Paige (Louisiana Tech commit) and first baseman Morgan Hill. All made the All-State Tournament Team, and Page was named the Gatorade State Player of the Year.

View last season's Alaska softball rankings, presented by the Army National Guard

2. Lathrop (Fairbanks)
2014 record: Unknown
Head coach: Bill Duffield



The Malemutes lost to East in the state tournament twice. Kimi Duffield is back for her junior season, and she came in for emergency relief in last year's title game. Kelley Ragan also pitches. Salena Maxwell and Kacey Duffield each made the All-State Tournament Team but graduated.

View last season's Alaska softball playoff brackets

3. Juneau-Douglas
2014 record: 10-4 (incomplete)
Head coach: Dave Massey

The Small Schools state champions return All-State Tournament players Rachelle Roldan (senior) and Sophie Hultberg (senior) as they look to defend the title. They lost to Ketchikan early in the tournament and bounced back with two wins over Ketchikan in the title matchup.

View last season's Alaska softball stat leaders

4. West (Anchorage)
2014 record: 4-2 (incomplete)
Head coach: Jeff Matthis



The Eagles return All-State Tournament pitcher Lauren Syrup, who just signed with Southwestern College in Kansas. They finished third in the state tournament last season with a 3-2 record at the state tournament.

5. Chugiak (Eagle River)
2014 record: 3-2 (incomplete)
Head coach: Jim Huber

The Mustangs will have all-conference senior shortstop Elle Gray back, and catcher Alise Arnold made the All-State Tournament Team in addition to second-team All-Cook Inlet Conference accolades. Juliette Montgomery, a junior, also returns and could see time pitching. The team finished fourth among large schools at the state tournament.