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

1. Liverpool
2014 record: 24-2, Section 3 champions, state finalist
Head coach: Nick Spataro

Returning all-state shortstop Alicia Hansen is one of the top players not only in the state, but the nation. The senior, committed to Syracuse University, hit .556 with 42 runs scored, 47 RBIs and 24 steals and is also an outstanding defensive player. But wait, there's more – as they say in those infomercials. Junior pitcher/infielder Peyton Bellrose smacked 10 home runs and knocked in 49 while batting .520 and finished 10-2 in the circle, with a 1.60 ERA. Coach Nick Spataro, meanwhile, needs just two wins to reach 450 for his career.

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

2. East Meadow
2014 record: 21-2, Class AA state, Section 8 champions
Head coach: Stewart Fritz

Star pitcher Kerri Shapiro and star shortstop Claire Travis highlighted East Meadow's run to a first state title in 2014. But Shapiro, a two-time first-team all-state selection, and Travis, one of the state's top power hitters, wrapped up their varsity careers with the historic feat. But coach Stewart Fritz has plenty of developing talent on a team that will look to win the Nassau County championship for the third-straight season.

View last season's New York softball playoff brackets

3. Williamsville South
2014 record: 20-2, Class A state, Section 6 champions
Head coach: Julie Murphy

The Billies' state title in 2014 was their fourth all-time but first in eight years. Though seven senior stars from that squad have departed, New York Class A Coach of the Year Julie Murphy has a strong group of talented players eager to step in and step up.

View last season's New York softball stat leaders

4. Valley Central (Montgomery)
2014 record: 24-4, Section 9 champions
Head coach: Katie Farrugia

Valley Central will be looking for its fifth Section 9 title in six years, but will have to do it without coach Frank Jordan, who has stepped down after a 17-year, 305-win tenure. But the tradition-rich program has plenty of talent returning, including senior third baseman Cassidy Herman.

View MaxPreps New York softball pro photo galleries

5. Half Hollow Hills West (Dix Hills)
2014 record: 22-4, Section 11 champions
Head coach: Bill Mitaritonna

All-everything Francesca Casalino is now making her pitches at Yale after going 20-4 with a 0.65 ERA last season. But Hills West has plenty of talent returning, including junior outfielders Rose Cipoletti and Renee Pino, junior shortstop Nicole Graber and sophomore catcher Alexandra Parkas.

Multimedia news and sports editor and producer Joe Lombardi is director of media initiatives and managing editor of the DailyVoice.com, as well as the primary author of the most recent edition of "Lacrosse for Dummies." Follow Joe on Twitter @Joe_Lombardi or e-mail jlombardi@dailyvoice.com.