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

1. Archbishop Mitty (San Jose)
Head coach: Joe Gron
2015 record: 27-3

The Monarchs finished ranked 11th in the final MaxPreps Xcellent 25 National Softball Rankings presented by the Army National Guard last season and they return eight key players, including big run-producers junior Rebecca Ortiz and seniors Lindsey Goubeaux and Erika Yaeger. Mitty's new coach Gron, who came over from Leland, has a strong tradition to uphold, as the Monarchs have won at least 27 games seven straight seasons.

See last season's Central Coast Section computer rankings

2. Los Altos
Head coach: Tom Barrera
2015 record: 21-9

The Eagles return all but one senior from last year's team, including star pitcher Lizzy Beutter (20-8, 1.27 ERA), who also hit .383 with 36 hits, 27 RBIs and 13 doubles. Los Altos hit .309 as a team last year.

See last season's Central Coast Section softball photo galleries

3. San Benito (Hollister)
Head coach: Andrew Barragan
2015 record: 24-5

The Haybalers finished ranked 26th in the state last season and they lost just six seniors off a 19-person roster. Though they lost both starting pitchers, they return a boatload of offensive sluggers, including the section's best in Suzi Brookshire (51 hits, 55 RBIs, 17 doubles, 6 triples, 9 home runs), along with Madisyn Gutierrez Urban (32 hits, 25 RBIs) and Callie Heen (46 hits, 31 RBIs).

See last season's Central Coast Section playoff brackets

4. Notre Dame (Salinas)
Head coach: Tom Cardinale
2015 record: 25-5

The Spirits return one of the top freshman pitchers in the state last year, Vanessa Gonzalez (23-4, 1.72 ERA), and top freshman sluggers — Alexis Torculas (28 hits, 21 RBIs, 5 doubles, 5 home runs). Junior Lauren Pullara (.366, 24 RBIs) is another top hitter.

See last season's Central Coast Section statistical leaders

5. Carlmont (Belmont)
Head coach: Jim Liggett
2015 record: 22-6

The Scots are a perennial Northern California power led by the state's leader in victories, Jim Liggett. Carlmont returns sophomore pitcher Mailey McLemore (10-3, 2.22 ERA, 14 complete games) and top run-producer Jacey Phipps (.367, 33 hits, 25 RBIs). The Scots lost just five seniors off a 17-person roster.

Note: Pioneer (San Jose) is featured in the California overall Fab 5 and thus not included in the CCS Fab 5.