MaxPreps 2017 Maine preseason high school softball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

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1. Scarborough
2016 record: 18-1
Head coach: Tom Griffin

Scarborough won its first 18 games last season before falling for the only time to Biddeford in the MPA Class A South final. Even in losing one game shy of the state final, the Red Storm rallied from five runs back to nearly swipe the regional title away. Pitcher Lilly Volk is a coveted University of Maine recruit who went 18-0 in 2016 with a 0.75 ERA, striking out 155 batters while walking just 20.

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2. Biddeford
2016 record: 16-4
Head coach: Ray Magnant

Biddeford came out of the No. 3 seed in the South to win both the Class A regional title and its first MPA state title since 2006, beating Scarborough and Skowhegan in its final two games. Junior catcher Brook Davis, the reigning SMAA Player of the Year, is one of the state's top sluggers. Sophomore pitcher/infielder Grace Martin is another one to watch.

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3. Messalonskee (Oakland)
2016 record: 16-1-1
Head coach: Samantha Moore

Longtime Messalonskee coach Leo Bouchard stepped down after 17 seasons last summer, retiring with four conference championships, two regional titles and the 2015 MPA Class A crown. The Eagles were edged in the North regional semifinals last season by Edward Little. Gatorade State Player of the Year Kirsten Pelletier (225 strikeouts, 15 walks in 2016) will need to be replaced. Junior third baseman Sarah Labbe heads the list of returning players for new coach Samantha Moore.

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4. Thornton Academy (Saco)
2016 record: 12-5
Head coach: John Provost

Junior pitcher Louisa Colucci begins her third season with the varsity. Junior Journey Barnes and sophomore Olivia Howe will also be counted on. Thornton earned a bye for the first round of last season's Class A tournament, but was eliminated in its first game by Windham.

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5. Greely (Cumberland Center)
2016 record: 15-4
Head coach: Rob Hale

Greely could be a surprise team overall this year as it returns many of the players who lost in the MPA Class B South regional final last season to York on a walk-off double. Senior shortstop Moira Train and junior pitcher Kelsey Currier are among the Rangers' returning veterans.