MaxPreps 2015 Utah preseason softball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

1. Lehi
2014 record: 25-6-1
Head coach: Tim Kennedy

The Pioneers claimed their first state title in 17 seasons last spring with a dramatic 5-4 championship game victory against Taylorsville. Lehi beat four region champions to claim its first Class 5A softball title and returns plenty of talent to do it again. Junior pitcher Sydney White returns as the Pioneers' ace. White shined in both pitching and hitting as a sophomore. She posted a 14-4 record and 84 strikeouts. White also finished with a .381 batting average, 21 RBIs and scored 37 runs. Taylor Tahbo gives Lehi another strong hitter. The senior outfielder had 31 RBIs and posted a .436 batting average as a junior.

View last season's Utah softball rankings, presented by the Army National Guard

2. Salem Hills (Salem)
2014 record: 24-8-2
Head coach: Renae Clarke Kinghorn

It isn't ever safe to count out the Skyhawks. While it's true that Salem Hills graduated many stars from a team that won back-to-back Class 4A titles, the cupboard is far from bare. Alex Oveson is an accomplished batter and will be counted on to provide an offensive punch again this spring. Oveson posted a .305 batting average and drove in 22 RBIs. She also could end up being the successor to Kirtlyn Bohling in the circle, after posting a 2-1 record last season. Kenzie Martin is another promising hitter, coming off a season where she tallied six doubles and three home runs, leading Salem Hills in both categories.

View last season's Utah softball playoff brackets

3. East (Salt Lake City)
2014 record: 23-7
Head coach: Marianne Bullis

After tying Clearfield for the Region 6 championship last season, East has the potential to make even more noise this spring. The Leopards rose to the top behind a roster filled with talented sophomores. Now those same players are poised to have even more memorable junior seasons. It all starts with pitchers Michelle Thomas and Angelique Lokeni. They combined for 24 wins last spring. Kuea Angilau offers a reliable long ball threat from the plate. She led the state during her sophomore season with 15 home runs and boasted a .398 batting average. Laina Su'esu'e, a junior catcher, is another consistent hitter. Su'esu'e added a team-best 11 doubles and seven home runs in 2014.

View last season's Utah softball stat leaders

4. Fremont (Plain City)
2014 record: 24-7
Head coach: Kamarie Merrill

One thing is certain about Fremont going into this season: there are few teams that are going to be able to match what the Silver Wolves can do offensively. Fremont returns several top batters from a year ago and it promises to make the team even more potent this spring. It all starts with junior shortstop Ryley Ball. During her sophomore season, Ball had nine doubles and six home runs for Fremont. She posted a .514 batting average and an .829 slugging percentage. Senior first baseman Rane Hadley is another solid hitter. Hadley tied with Ball for the team lead in doubles a year ago.

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5. Bingham (South Jordan)
2014 record: 23-8
Head coach: Mikki Jackson

Repeating as a region champion is never an easy task – especially in Region 3. Bingham seems equipped to get it done. The Miners are short on experience, but long on talent. If Bingham taps into that potential, it could be a legitimate Class 5A title threat this spring. Junior shortstop Torre Glasker can be counted on to be the sort of reliable hitter the Miners' offense needs. Glasker had 46 hits and posted a .489 batting average last season. Victoria Johansen is a reliable utility player for Bingham. Skyler Miller and McKenzie Dorney saw a little bit of time in the pitcher's circle a year ago and have the tools to enjoy breakout seasons this time around.

John Coon covers Utah high school sports for MaxPreps. You can reach him at john_coon@hotmail.com and you can follow John on Twitter at @johncoonsports