MaxPreps 2016 Tennessee preseason high school softball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

1. Baylor (Chattanooga)
2015 record: 26-3-1, Division II-AA state champion
Head coach: Kelli Smith

The Red Raiders, ranked No. 39 in MaxPreps' final softball poll last season, have produced a dynasty this decade. The squad has won four state titles in the last five years, getting back on top last season after a one-year hiatus. Pitcher Kayla Hughes, who signed with Tennessee Tech, has a record of 45-11 the last two seasons with an ERA of 1.40 and 194 strikeouts. As an all-state recipient the last two years, Hughes has hit .352 with four homers and 34 RBIs. Infielder Cheyenne Lindsey, a Florida commit, was the leading hitter last season for the Red Raiders. From her leadoff spot, she hit .564 with 35 runs scored, 24 RBIs and a slugging percentage of .821.

See last season's Tennessee computer rankings

2. Dickson County (Dickson)
2015 record: 43-6, Division I-AAA state runner-up
Head coach: Shane Buchanan



For the second time in three years, the Cougars are coming off placing second at state. The last time they were runner-up, which was 2013, Dickson County won the title the following year. That could happen again in 2016. Senior all-state pitcher Brooklin Lee was phenomenal last season, posting a 34-4 record with an ERA of 0.87 to go with 331 strikeouts. At the plate, Lee hit .378 with four home runs, 28 runs and 34 RBIs. Also back are seniors Ashley Scott (second base, .390, three home runs, 35 RBIs), Selena Crafton (third base, .385) and MaKray Odom (center field, .450, three home runs) who will provide pop in the lineup. The Cougars lost four senior starters, but juniors Paige Sensing, Keely Buchanan, Baker Sensing and Katie White will fill the void nicely.

See last season's Tennessee softball photo galleries

3. Wilson Central (Lebanon)
2015 record: 41-7-1, Division I-AAA state champion
Head coach: Michael Shepard

The Wildcats are coming off a state championship in which they had a pair of dominant pitchers. Both girls – Morgan Powell and Hannah Bodenhorn – graduated after combining to pitch every game last season and striking out 288 hitters. Wilson Central lost one other starter but Shepard said this year is the deepest team he's had during his coaching tenure. Senior first baseman Katie Eakes, a North Alabama signee, is a three-year starter. Last season she hit .546 with four home runs, 56 RBIs and 18 doubles. Claire Smith, a junior second baseman, is committed to Middle Tennessee State after hitting .449 with 14 extra-base hits, 59 runs and 15 stolen bases. Senior left fielder Kayla Varner is coming off a .344 season with 16 RBIs and 27 runs scored. Shortstop Brooke Pfefferle, who hit .469 with 50 runs and 31 RBIs, will miss her entire junior season with a torn ACL.

See last season's Tennessee playoff brackets

4. Siegel (Murfreesboro)
2015 record: 35-7
Head coach: Perry Lyons

The Stars took home third place last season in AAA, and have high expectations coming into 2016. Star pitcher Veronica Westfall returns after a stellar junior campaign. Westfall, who earned all-state honors, was 30-6 with an ERA of 0.96. She also hit .407 with seven home runs and 43 RBIs. Ciera Purvis and Karalynne Levi return after filling the Nos. 2 and 3 slots in the lineup. Freshman Caitlyn McCrary is going to be a star. Committed to Tennessee as an eighth-grader, McCrary can hit the ball a ton.



See last season's Tennessee softball stat leaders

5. Lexington
2015 record: 45-8, Division I-AA state runner-up
Head coach: Ronnie Burke

Two all-state players return this season for the Tigers in junior first baseman Samantha McDaniel and sophomore second baseman Kaitlin Kelley. The Nos. 4 and 5 hitters in the lineup last season will provide plenty of offense. Lexington lost three senior starters who made it to state all four years of their high school career, but the team has a strong group of underclassmen.