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

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1. Chanhassen
2016 record: 24-3, Class 4A state champion
Head coach: Joe Coenen

Last year proved to be a magical season for the Storm, winning their first state championship in school history. For how great of a team Chanhassen had, on paper this year could be even better. The Storm had just two seniors on the state title team, only one of whom was a starter, center fielder Haley Haakenstad. Shortstop Marybeth Olson and catcher Jessica Bren, both seniors, were first-team All-State members a year ago and will be relied heavily at the plate. Bren was tied for first in the state in home runs (eight) and was second in RBIs (38). Olson drove in 21 runs a season ago. Another senior, Taylor Manno, was a perfect 12-0 as a pitcher. She will be teamed with junior Maddie Schwartz and Olson in the circle to form a dynamic pitching staff.

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2. Park (Cottage Grove)
2016 record: 21-3
Head coach: Bob Loshek

The Wolfpack made it to state last season before falling to eventual Class 4A state runner-up Buffalo. Park returns a strong lineup with three All-State recipients from a year ago. Junior Alayna Silvis was first team All-State at shortstop and senior pitcher Hanna Mortenson and sophomore right fielder Madi Meduna were All-State honorable mention selections. Silvis and Meduna are the top two hitters in the batting order and set the table for cleanup hitter Delaney Young, who is a junior first baseman. The Wolfpack will miss the bat of No. 3 hitter Gwen Warling.

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3. Woodbury
2016 record: 19-7
Head coach: Michelle Welch The Royals, after back-to-back trips to the state tournament, have a new leader at the helm this year. Michelle Welch takes over for Bob Samson, who was the head coach at Woodbury for 17 years. The new coach steps into a dream situation with a solid team returning. Senior pitcher Ashley Mickschl was second team All-State a season ago; she is also the No. 3 hitter in the Royals' lineup, packing a powerful punch. Grace Beseman earned All-Tournament honors at state and returns to catch Mickschl in her sophomore season. Senior center fielder Meagan Bliese and junior shortstop Amanda Dickmeyer are back at the top of the order. Third baseman Alexis Jacobs is the lone starter who graduated from last year's team.

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4. Buffalo
2016 record: 23-5, Class 4A state runner-up
Head coach: Brad Zrust

The Bison made their second straight trip to state a season ago and came one win from claiming the 4A title. The team lost just three seniors, one of those a starter, shortstop Kallie Wycoff. With junior phenom pitcher Morgan Demarais back in the circle, another deep playoff run could be in store. She tallied 15 wins and a 146 strikeouts in 112 innings pitched. Junior right fielder Katie Carlson is also back after earning All-Tournament honors at state along with DeMarais. Junior third baseman Emily Hansen and senior catcher Autumn Senger are a strong 1-2 punch in the middle of the lineup.

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5. Mankato West (Mankato)
2016 record: 26-1, Class 3A state champion
Head coach: Don Krusemark

For the first time since 1990, the Scarlets took home a state title. Mankato West is loaded again, but will have to replace star pitcher Lexi Schoper, who didn't allow a run in three state games. The team has had four other seniors who graduated. The Scarlets return seven starters, including second team All-State senior catcher Hannah Hastings. Emily Veroeven, a junior second baseman, and Krista Goerger, a senior first baseman, were all-state honorable mention in 2016.