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

Video: Savannah Predika's highlights vs. Highland
See the Cleveland All-State selection in action last season.


1. Onate (Las Cruces)
2016 record: 27-3, 6A state champions
Head coach: Fernie Valles

Onate won its final 16 games, finished 27-3 and won the state 6A title in 2016. The Knights went into the state tournament seeded No. 3, but outscored five opponents 47-9.

To say coach Fernie Valles' teams hit would be an understatement. Onate has outscored its opponents 851-297 over the last three seasons, and has won 79 games and lost 15 the last three seasons. Is there a repeat performance in store for the Knights?

Though they lost four senior staters, seven returnees suit up for the Knights. Key returnees are pitcher Christina Gutierrez (14-2 overall and won her final 13 starts), seniors Stephany Duran (batted .576 with 49 hits, 49 RBI, 21 doubles and 10 homers), Marina Salcedo (.523 batting average) and Sabrina Martinez (.329 batting average) and sophomore Alyssa Reyes (.315 batting average).

The Knights lost their three games by a total of four runs last season. In other words, they were four runs away from running the table.

See the MaxPreps New Mexico softball computer rankings presented by the Army National Guard

2. Aztec
2016 record: 27-7, state 5A runner ups
Head coach: Roy Johnson

Aztec lost one senior starter from a year ago, so plenty return. Based on hitting, fielding, pitching and power hitting, the Tigers appear set to make a run at defending state champion Centennial, which beat Aztec 1-0 in the state finals.

Among the seven 5A all-state players returning are senior pitchers Paige Adair ( 18-5 with an 0.66 ERA, 224 strikeouts in 138 innings) and CheyAnn Simkins (9-1, 1.43 ERA, 67 strikeouts in 49 innings). They also hit – Simkins with a .504 average (nine homers, 45 RBI) and Adair with a .456 average (17 doubles, 39 RBI). Also back is super sophomore Jocelyn Ulrich (11 homers, 48 RBI, 14 doubles and .520 batting average). And returnees Kylie Brown, Ashlynn Bradley and Sarrah Jones, who combined for 135 base hits and .400-plus batting averages create an arsenal for coach Johnson.

In 2016, the Tigers limited opponents to a .178 batting average and 51 runs (only 23 earned) while hitting .415 and scoring 333 times. They totaled 133 extra base hits and the eight players who combined to hit 34 home runs return.

See the MaxPreps New Mexico softball stat leaderboards

3. Cleveland (Rio Rancho)
2016 record: 24-7, state 6A runner ups
Head coach: Angel Castillo

Three of the Storm's seven losses in 2016 were to out-of-state powers who combined to win 76 times. And two were to state champion Onate.

Can the Storm get revenge? A lot of returning talent thinks so.

Leading returnees include Adrianna Castillo (21-3 record, 1.92 ERA and batted .437 with 29 RBI), all-stater Savannah Predika (.605 average, 47 RBI, nine homers, .680 on-base percentage and a 1.131 slugging percentage), Jelaeni Kapanui (.553 with 51 runs, 16 stolen bases and 57 hits), and Luna College signee Ashlea Ortega (.406 with 32 RBI).

See the MaxPreps New Mexico softball photos page

4. La Cueva (Albuquerque)
2016 record: 22-6
Head coach: Ron Romero

Junior pitcher Sydney Truett returns after compiling a 2.31 ERA with 107 strikeouts in 75 innings. She also hit .338 and drove in 23 runs. But the real big power returns with Andrea Howard (13 homers, 36 RBI, .560 average), Shannon Stein (.520 with 38 RBI and eight homers) and Rachael Hathoot (a .556 hitter with six homers). Other key returnees include Taylor Jones (.391 average), Katherine Sanchez (.413 batting average) and Jessica McAlister (.419 average). Only one senior starter graduated in 2016.

Howard and Jones have signed with New Mexico, and McAlister with Montana.

See the MaxPreps New Mexico softball playoff brackets

5. Hobbs
2016 Record: 24-5
Head coach: Dean Crossland

The Eagles were ranked No. 1 much of the 2016 season, but their disappointing showing at state (two one-run losses) and only one win in their final four games has them champing at the bit to get on the field. Optimism is high with the return of pitchers Genesis Armendariz (0.90 ERA and 108 strikeouts in 85 innings), and seniors Zariah Duarte (7-0), and Amy Vejil (6-2).

There's plenty of run support is back with Addison Lewis (six homers and 25 RBI), Madison Ganaway (31 runs scored) and Casey Allen. All hit over .400 last season. Senior all-stater Cierra Heckard had seven homers in 2016. Sophomore Armendariz made a big impression and was all-state second team.