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

1. Brookville (Lynchburg)
2014 finish: 27-0
Head coach: Gary Ferguson

The Bees won their first state 3A title with a perfect season capped by a 10-3 win over Turner Ashby. The champions return ace Jordan Dale who starred on the mound last year as a freshman, going 23-0 Another freshman Megan Dray had two hits and two RBI in the title game. Brookville outscored opponents 268-57 last season.

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

2. Turner Ashby (Bridgewater)
2014 finish: 25-2
Head coach: Laura Bowman

Despite the finals' loss, the Knights outscored opponents 283-38. The return top pitcher Natalie Helmick, who went 25-1 with an 0.89 ERA last year. Turner Ashby hit .399 last year and returns its best hitter Helmick (.506), along with Bre Bosley (.408) and Jordan Will (.400). Incoming junior Kierstin Roadcap hit .425 and seven home runs and Cana Davis hit .446.

View last season's Virginia softball playoff brackets

3. Cosby (Midlothian)
2014: 24-1
Head coach: Ray Jeter

After 24 straight wins, the Titans lost to South County 4-1 in the 6A championship game. Cosby lost its two mainstays on the mound but return a number of stout hitters including sophomores Valerie Johnson (.427), Mariah Poulston (.393) and Erin Doyle (.378).

View last season's Virginia softball stat leaders

4. Brentsville District (Nokesville)
2014: 21-3
Head coach: Amy Beard

The Tigers return one of the top freshmen pitchers in the state from a year ago, Leah Shipp, who went 20-3 last season with a 0.45 ERA. She also hit .407 nine doubles and nine home runs, also a team best. Other big sluggers were sophomore Riley Mccarthy (.500) and Erin Jones (.462).

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5. Bishop O'Connell (Arlington)
2014: 20-5
Head coach: Tommy Orndorff

After a terrific junior season for Erin Sweeney (18-5, 1.39), the Knights figure to make more noise in 2015. Especially with the big batting prowess of returners Shannon Murphy (.410), junior Anika Metcalf(.395) and Olivia Giaquinto (.434).