Five Northern Section powerhouse teams from last season figure to battle it out for section titles in 2016. Watch out for Sutter, Lassen, Foothill, Enterprise and Corning.
Morgan Lane is one of the key returners for Sutter in its quest for another Northern Section championship.
File photo by Gary Jones
1. SutterHead coach: Keith Gravel
2015 record: 37-6-1
The Huskies return eight key players from last year's Division IV title team, including
Karlee Coughlin, who hit .462 with 60 hits, 44 RBIs, 17 doubles and six home runs.
Morgan Lane (.375, 42 hits, 27 RBIs) is another key returner. Since 2008, Sutter has won 226 games.
See last season's Northern Section computer rankings
2. Lassen (Susanville)Head coach: Paul Moore
2015 record: 35-5
The Grizzlies lost in the section D-4 final to Sutter but return one of the region's top pitchers in junior
Carli Lewis (25-3, 1.22 ERA, 173 strikeouts) and a top run producer in senior
Mia Torres (.450, 57 hits, 47 RBIs). Lassen graduated just four of 13 players from last season.
See last season's Northern Section softball photo galleries
3. Foothill (Palo Cedro)
Head coach: Zane Henry
2015 record: 26-8
The Cougars lost just four seniors off last year's 15-person roster and they return all three pitchers, including
Jessica Seely (13-5, 1.00), who also drove in a team-high 48 runs.
Tayler Walker (.400, 23 RBIs) is another big bat returning.
See last season's Northern Section playoff brackets
4. Enterprise (Redding)Head coach: Mike Haworth
2015 record: 21-13
The Hornets return top pitcher
Mikayla Robinette (16-8, 1.83 ERA) and their top hitter
Katrina Winterburn (.449, 44 hits, 35 RBIs, 10 doubles). Enterprise hit .320 as a team last season and scored 183 runs.
See last season's Northern Section statistical leaders
5. CorningHead coach: Christy Correa
2015 record: 24-11-3
The Cardinals bring back junior pitcher
Marrissa Hopkins (8-3, 2.89) and seven other key returners, including top hitter
Baylie Fryar, who hit .529 with 64 hits, 46 RBIs and 42 runs.
