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

1. Nanakuli (Waianae)
2014 finish: 21-2
Head coach: Ricky Gusman

The Hawks won their second-straight Division II title with an 8-5 win over Waimea. They were led by the HHSAA All-Tournaments MVP Alexis Paulo-Meyers, a shortstop, along with all-tourney pitcher Chyanne Koko and outfielder Emma Kawaiaea. Paulo-Meyers and Koko have graduated, but Kawaiaea returns along with 2014 starters Precious Paulo-Meyers, Ashley Van Gieson, Daria Kawaauhau and Kalia Burnett.

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

2. Maryknoll (Honolulu)
2014 finish: 14-5-1
Head coach: John Uekawa



The Spartans graduated just one senior off last year's team that reached the state quarterfinals, losing to eventual Division I champion Mililani 3-2. Maryknoll is led by returning pitcher Shearyna Labasan, who pitched a shutout and struck out 14 in a 6-0 first-round win over Pearl City last season. Other top returning players are shortstop Tamia Hirano, centerfielder Bree Soma and Chynna Mekaru.

View last season's Hawaii softball playoff brackets

3. Baldwin (Wailuku)
2014 finish: 9-2-1
Head coach: Steve Morton

Baldwin reached the fifth-place game of the last year's Division I tournament and tied Maryknoll. Sanae Nakoa was the team's top pitcher last season and shortstop Nawaii Kaupe and first basemen Kamalani Eldredge were among its top hitters. Baldwin was a longtime state power under coaches Rudy and Ryan Souza, winning 19 Maui Interscholastic League championships in 24 years with state titles in 2001 and 2007.

View Hawaii softball stat leaders

4. Punahou (Honolulu)
2014 finish: 7-8
Head coach: Bobby Makahilahila



The 2013 state Division I champs figure to bounce back strong after a tough 2014 season. Punahou has five seniors on an 18-person roster and features strong pitching from numerous sources, including senior Nicole Nishizawa, juniors Lauren Mooney and Astra Kidani, sophomore Jolie Fujita and freshmen Kawailana Mielke and Bailey Akimseu.

5. Kaiser (Honolulu)
2014 finish: 10-3
Head coach: Deanedra Kahuahana

The Cougars are led by 12 returners, with the only newcomer being Hannah Mcdermott. Kaiser won its first 11 games of 2015. Among other Cougars who played on the 2013 playoff team include shortstop Rainelle Matsuoka, first baseman-designated hitter Marissa Oda and outfielder Kai Hasegawa.