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

1. Hoover (North Canton)
2014 record: 30-3
Head coach: Jerry Goodpasture

The four-time defending Division I state champions defeated Grove City 6-1 in last year's title game. The Vikings return eight from a 15-person roster, including cleanup hitter and catcher Kathleen Shier who hit a three-run homer in last year's title game. Hoover is one of just two teams to win four straight titles and its won eight overall.

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

2. Keystone (La Grange)
2014 record: 27-4
Head coach: Jim Piazza



The Wildcats lost just four seniors off last year's 19 person roster and return one of the state's top freshman pitchers Lauren Shaw (15-4, 1.16 ERA). Almost all the team's top hitters return including junior Summer Constable (.515, 5 home runs), sophomore Sammie Stefan (.467, 4 HRs, 46 RBI) and all-state catcher Destiny Weber.

View last season's Ohio softball playoff brackets

3. Licking Valley (Newark)
2014 record: 29-6
Head coach: Mark Paxton

The Panthers lost in the state Division II semifinals but return star pitcher Shelby McCombs and catcher Kori Caughenbaugh, a pair of first team All-State Division II performers along with second-team infielder Kori Locke.

Last season's Ohio stat leaders

4. Bloom-Carroll (Carroll)
2014 record: 28-4
Head coach: Aaron Alvelo

The state Division III finalist lost a bitter 1-0 title game in 14 innings, so the Bulldogs have a lot to prove. They lost just five seniors off a 13-person roster and return senior pitcher Taran Alvelo (27-3, 0.46 ERA), who struck out 378 in 182 innings. She also hit .455 with seven home runs.



5. Archbold
2014 record: 26-1
Head coach: Joe Frank

The Blue Streaks return five from last year's team, including junior pitcher Payton Robinson.