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

1. Pendleton
2014 Record: 24-6, 5A state champion
Head coach: Tim Curry

The Buckaroos return a very good offensive line-up with six returning starters (seven when you include shortstop Ellie Richards (Notre Dame commit), who missed her sophomore year after an all-state campaign as a freshman). Leading the way is two-time 5A Player of the Year Darian Lindsey (Mt. Hood signee), Payton Hergert (Weber State), Tiah Grass (Sterling College), Alexis Morrison and Mykal Weissenfluh. As for pitching, it will come from juniors Kiersten Murphy and Gracie Lyon, sophomore Bailey Hillmick and freshman Lauren Richards.

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

2. South Medford (Medford)
2014 Record: 16-13
Head coach: Miranda Gillespie-Smith

At first glance, the Panthers might not seem like a No. 2 team. After all, they were 16-13 last year and had five senior starters. But sophomore lefthander Pat Moore returns and when she is in the circle, the Panthers will be tough to beat. With Moore a year older and momentum from winning nine of their final 10 games (reaching the state semifinals before losing to eventual state 6A winner South Salem), the Panthers look like Medford's best team (North Medford won state titles in 2012, 2013 and reached the finals in 2014). Also returning are Hannah Newman, and Rachael Moore. Medford has a rich softball history, as North Medford has won two of last three 6A titles, but lost a lot to graduation.

View last season's Oregon softball playoff brackets

3. Marist (Eugene)
2014 Record: 20-8
Head coach: Jon Burke

The Spartans return eight players from last year's team, including three who make a quick impression – Kristen Behrends (.476 batting average, 34 runs, 19 stolen bases), Lauren Burke (32 steals, .624 average, 45 runs and 68 base hits) and Shawna Burke (18-7, 2.78 ERA, 246 strikeouts in 178 innings, .353 average and 28 RBIs). Also back is senior Sidney White (27 RBIs), daughter of Oregon head coach Mike White.

View last season's Oregon softball stat leaders

4. Westview (Portland)
2014 Record: 23-8
Head coach: Ronda McKenzie

The Wildcats, two-time defending Metro League champions, are led by Pitcher of the Year Abby Greer, Kylie Alto, Shannon Daly, Natalie Munson and catcher Katie Whetstine. All earned all-Metro League honors and Greer and Whitestine were all-state picks. Add in seven other players who gained varsity experience in 2014 and an impressive 2015 is just around the corner. The Wildcats reached last year's 2014 semifinals before losing to state runnerup North Medford, 2-0.

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5. West Linn
2014 Record: 15-12
Head coach: Scott Smith

The Lions graduated three seniors, but are poised to continue their late-season run with Caroline Freiling and Three Rivers League Pitcher of the Year Sarah Vonahn leading the way. Juniors Hannah Siciliani and Ireland Bell are back after earning all-league honorable mention honors.