MaxPreps 2016 Sac-Joaquin Section preseason high school softball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

Note: East Union (Manteca) is in the California overall Fab 5 and thus not featured in the Sac-Joaquin Section Fab 5.

1. Elk Grove
Head coach: Jeff Alexander
2015 record: 28-4

The Thundering Herd lost in the Division II semifinals to Benicia, but figure to make another strong championship charge with the returning pitching duo of Courtney Riley (14-2, 1.41 ERA) and Miranda Miles (11-2, 2.23), both seniors. Half of last year's 20-person roster were juniors. Miles also hit .443 with 39 hits and 23 RBIs and Riley hit .375 with 30 hits and 22 RBIs.

See last season's Sac-Joaquin Section computer rankings

2. Benicia
Head coach: Kristin Grubbs
2015 record: 28-4

The Panthers finished No. 29 in the state and 90th nationally last season, according to the MaxPreps Computer Rankings presented by the Army National Guard. They hit .399 as a team, hit 24 home runs, stole 41 bases and sported a team 1.87 ERA. They should return Mckenna Gregory, who went 15-1 last season as a sophomore with a 1.94 ERA. She also hit .507 with 35 hits, 27 RBIs and six home runs. The team's top hitter was then-junior Shelby Thompson (.597, 38 RBIs, 10 home runs).

See last season's Sac-Joaquin Section softball photo galleries

3. Sheldon (Sacramento)
Head coach: Mary Jo Truesdale
2015 record: 24-7

The Huskies finished No. 25 in the state and No. 82 nationally last season in the computer rankings. Their top four run-producers return, including leader Jessica Scott (36 RBIs) and Jordan Fines (31 RBIs). Sheldon will need to replace two senior pitchers from last season.

See last season's Sac-Joaquin Section playoff brackets

4. Woodcreek (Roseville)
Head coach: Jeff Fischer
2015 record: 25-3-1

The Timberwolves finished ranked No. 43 in California and No. 139 in the country, and they graduated just two from that squad and return top pitcher Jacy Boles, who went 15-1 with a 1.32 ERA last season as a junior. They also return their top three run producers, including second baseman and outfielder Caity Szczesny.

See last season's California statistical leaders

5. Del Campo (Fair Oaks)
Head coach: Sharon Props
2015 record: 21-10

The Cougars should return starting pitcher Brooke Larsen, who went 16-6 last season with a 1.81 ERA. They lost only three seniors off last year's team and return their top hitter in Maggie West (.489, 43 hits).