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

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1. Alvirne (Hudson)
2016 record: 15-6
Head coach: Sara Brisk

Alvirne returns four All-State players from a team that lost to Salem in last season's NHIAA Division I final, including senior pitcher Nicole Teague, a Marist recruit. The other returning All-State players are catcher Sara Siteman, outfielder Brooke Schreib and outfielder Jenna Bradish.

See the MaxPreps New Hampshire softball computer rankings

2. Salem
2016 record: 18-3
Head coach: Harold Sachs

No team in the Granite State has enjoyed as much success over the years as Salem. The Blue Devils' 2016 NHIAA title was their 18th overall and the 15th of the Harold Sachs era. Returnees for 2017 include first team All-State picks Victoria Andrade and Brooke Murphy, and second-team selection Camryn Hanninen.

See the MaxPreps New Hampshire softball stat leaderboards

3. Goffstown
2016 record: 22-4
Head coach: Wake Stillman Senior infielder Taylor Gagnon and junior outfielder Alyssa Lombardi headline a group of returning players that figure to have Goffstown in its customary position this spring, that of contending for a state Division II title. Replacing All-State infielder Makayla Fleming and pitching standout Emma Campbell will be a priority.

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4. Milford
2016 record: 15-5
Head coach: James Rines

Milford won last season's state Division II title by edging top-ranked Windham and Gatorade POY Jaime Cleasby, but must replace infielder Erin Tyrel, the NHIAA Division II Player of the Year for 2016. Catcher Stephanie Bishop, infielder Jen Carson and outfielder Carley Holtzhaouser are three talented holdovers.

See the MaxPreps New Hampshire softball playoff brackets

5. Timberlane (Plaistow)
2016 record: 19-3
Head coach: Jim Clavette

Division I State Pitcher of the Year Kate Hoadley has graduated and she'll be tough to replace after being the team's No. 1 hurler for four years. The Owls still have senior catcher Mikayla Livingston, junior infielder Kylie Fitzpatrick, junior outfielder Jessica Mezquita and others to call upon, making them a good bet to keep pace with Alvirne and Salem in the state's top division,