Bellingham is the team to beat in Massachusetts.
MaxPreps 2015 Massachusetts preseason softball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard
1. Bellingham2014 record: 25-1, Division 2 champion
Head coach: Dennis Baker
Senior
Chloe Woodward ended Bellingham's 2014 season on the highest of notes, hitting a game-winning two-run double in the eighth inning of the Blackhawks' 3-1 victory over Grafton. It was the first state title for Baker after 16 years at the helm. Bellingham will lose ace Megan Cook, but should have plenty of young talent to fill the gap.
View last season's Massachusetts softball rankings, presented by the Army National Guard2. Turners Falls (Montague)2014 record: 23-3
Head coach: Gary Mullins
Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech beat Turners Falls last year in the Division 3 title game, but some may still consider Turners Falls the champion since Greater New Bedford played with an ineligible player. In the books they're still the runner-up, but Mullins and his squad will look to amend that this year. The Indians return three of their five first team All-State players: Senior
Amber Caouette (.461, seven doubles, six home runs), junior
MacKenzie Phillips (257 strikeouts in 154.2 innings) and junior
Jenna Putala (.484, 15 doubles, five home runs).
View last season's Massachusetts softball playoff brackets3. Bridgewater-Raynham (Bridgewater)2014 record: 25-1, Division 1 champion
Head coach: Mike Carrozza
The Trojans cruised to an 8-0 victory over Holy Name Central Catholic last season in the Division 1 title game, and the news only gets better for Carrozza. He returns arguably the best battery in the state in seniors
Sarah Dawson and
Emily Kurkul. A solid group of returning players will add nicely to the mix.
View last season's Massachusetts softball stat leaders4. Westfield2014 record: 23-1
Head coach: Joe Stella
The Bombers put together an undefeated season before they lost to Holy Name Central Catholic in the Division 1 semifinals. Stella loses three All-State players, but the Bombers should be poised for another deep run in the playoffs.
View Massachusetts softball pro photo galleries5. Agawam2014 record: 16-5
Head coach: Kathy Georgina
Georgina's
team returns two of its three All-State performers. Junior
Allison Wheeler struck out 175 batters in 144 innings last season and compiled a
16-4 record, including a no-hitter. Senior second baseman
Taylor Marcotte hit .447 with three triples, and will lead the Brownies into
what promises to be a strong 2015.