MaxPreps 2016 San Diego Section preseason high school softball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

1. Poway
2015 record: 25-6
Head coach: Jim Bennet

The Titans need to replace San Diego Section Player of the Year Kourtney Shaw in the pitching circle. And all-section catcher Catherine Seitz also moved on. But they have the returning Coach of the Year in Jim Bennet, infielder Malia Martinez earned first-team all-section honors last season and returns for her senior campaign, and it's the same for second-team honoree Gabrielle Callaway in the outfield. Colleen Sullivan was a second-team choice as a freshman designated player and is a great choice to move to catcher if needed. Eleven players in total return for the defending Open Division champions.

See last season's San Diego Section computer rankings

2. Patrick Henry (San Diego)
2015 record: 23-5-1
Head coach: Steve Miner



The Patriots were the No. 4 seed in the Open Division playoffs last season but return nine players from last year's team. Pitcher Madison James was second team all-section as a sophomore (18-5, 1.58 ERA), so was catcher Cristiona Caccamise (.370, 24 RBIs). Outfielder Hannah McEwen is back for her junior year after reaching team highs in doubles (11) and stolen bases (15).

See last season's San Diego Section softball photo galleries

3. La Costa Canyon (Carlsbad)
2015 record: 25-5
Head coach: Jeanne Bass

The Mavericks weren't invited into the Open Division, so they steamrolled to the Division II title instead. Only four seniors moved on and they bring back first team all-section pitcher Shannon Hennessy (22.4, 2.45 ERA) in the circle. Riley Casper led the team with four homers last season and comes back as a senior after hitting .333. Megan Ruiz led the team with 15 stolen bases and comes back in the outfield.

See last season's San Diego Section playoff brackets

4. Bonita Vista (Chula Vista)
2015 record: 21-5-1
Head coach: Ron Pietila



A new head coach will lead the way this season after the Barons went 0-2 in the Open Division playoffs. First team all-section outfielder Aaliyah Jordan will lead the way after hitting .486 with 10 doubles and 21 RBIs. Mia Marinakis was the team's go-to pitcher as a freshman last season and will look to build upon her experience as well.

See last season's California statistical leaders

5. Mater Dei Catholic (Chula Vista)
2015 record: 24-8-1
Head coach: Mike Centrullo

The Crusaders return first team all-section pitcher Kellie White after going 19-6 with a spectacular 1.17 ERA. She is also joined by junior Kelsey Munoz, who was the team's No. 2 pitcher and also tallied 18 RBIs to go with a .381 batting average.