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

1. Laurel
Head coach: Jodi Green
2014 finish: 18-2, state champions

Mississippi State commit Ragan Green (.396 average, 0.54 ERA) leads a senior-laden team hoping to
repeat as state champions. Green's batterymate, senior Sara Jo Whaley (.362), returns along with senior infielders Kelsie Joseph (.243) and Kortney Lee (.237) and senior outfielder Brittany Woods (.333).

Coach's outlook: "We have a lot of work to do offensively and defensively to fill our spots from last year," Green said.

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



2. Polytech (Woodside)
Head coach: Jennifer Bradshaw
2014 finish: 12-6, state tournament second round

Three hitters who batted above .400 return to bolster a Panther team that might be the most experienced in the state. Top returning hitters include seniors Brandi Dalious (.441) and Shaina Reed (.439) and junior Morgan Dodge (.407). Reed (1.65 ERA) and junior Taylor Pechin (1.40 ERA) will share time in the circle for the Panthers.

Coach's outlook: "We are returning a strong core of players and are looking forward to strengthening our roster with returning JV players and other newcomers. As always our team goals will be to win the Henlopen Conference and be a strong contender for a state championship."

View last season's Delaware softball playoff brackets

3. Delmar
Head coach: Michelle Niblett
2014 finish: 13-5, state semifinals

Delmar lost just one starter from last year's state semifinalist team is are led by all-state selections Ashton Riddle (second base) and Shelby Murphy (outfield). The senior duo will be joined by classmate Rachel Davis (third base) and sophomore Avery Wheatley, who bats leadoff and can play several positions. Senior Alexis Layton will handle much of the pitching load.



Coach's outlook: "I'm excited for this season with so much returning talent and great attitudes and a group of players that work hard and work together. Should be a great season for me as a coach and them as players."

View last season's Delaware softball stat leaders

4. Caravel (Bear)
Head coach: Tony Peterson
2014 finish: 16-5, state championship game

Seniors Brittany Ford (.340 average) and Kiera Swank (.339) lead a veteran lineup hoping to return to the state title game. Juniors Alexa Proffitt (.433), Holly Brooks (.385) and Samantha Esper (.375) will be relied on for offense, while Brooks (.385) is the top pitcher coming off a 16-5 season last year.

Coach's outlook: "With seven returning starters and some strong young players to push for starting positions, we seem to have a good balance of speed and power and should be as strong as we were last year. Our success will depend a lot on the chemistry of the team."

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5. Padua Academy (Wilmington)
Head coach: Pete Boyer
2014 finish: 14-4, state tournament first round

Padua returns three all-state players in junior Kierstin Fallers (first-team outfield), senior Olivia Ellis (first-team pitcher) and senior Alexis Brooks (second-team, second base).

Jon Buzby is a member of the Fox Sports 1290 high school broadcast team and sportswriter for the Newark Post.