MaxPreps 2015 Wisconsin Softball Fab 5 presented by the Army National Guard
1. Kimberly2014 record: 27-3, Division 1 state champion
Head coach: Bill Weyers
Last season, the Papermakers weren't going to be denied of their seven state title, the second-most in state history. Kimberly downed No. 1-ranked Kaukauna, which it lost to three times in the regular season, in the sectional final en route to state. The Papermakers return every starter from last year's team. That spells trouble for their opponents. University of Oregon commit
Megan Kleist is coming off a great season. In the circle, she was 16-2 with an ERA of 0.89 and 140 strikeouts. At the plate, she hit .431 with four home runs and 28 RBIs. The senior was also joined on the Wisconsin Fastpitch Softball Coaches Association (WFSCA) all-state team with the following teammates: third baseman
Jenna Smarzinski, .409 batting average, 15 doubles and 19 stolen bases; catcher
Abby Menting, .422 and 28 RBIs, plus outfielder
Sara Rosenow, .396 and 24 RBIs.
View last season's Wisconsin softball rankings, presented by the Army National Guard2. Westosha Central (Salem)2014 record: 27-4, Division 1 state runner-up
Head coach: Thomas Lampe
The Falcons have made three consecutive trips to state and have played in the title game the past two seasons. The team has back five starters from last year's group that nearly pulled off back-to-back state championships. WFSCA Division 1 Player of the Year
Kayla Konwent had a phenomenal sophomore campaign. She hit .533 with 12 home runs in 92 at-bats and 48 RBIs. Westosha Central also has back its No. 1 pitcher in
Alyssa Hrncar, who was selected third-team all-state as a freshman. She finished 18-2 in the circle with a 1.23 ERA. The Falcons will have to replace a solid middle of their defense in shortstop Larkin Langston, WFSCA first-team selection, and centerfielder Taylor Bergles, who both graduated.
View last season's Wisconsin softball playoff brackets3. Kaukauna2014 record: 27-2
Head coach: Tim Roehrig
The Galloping Ghosts had a 27-game winning streak last season. However, they didn't make the state tournament. The top-ranked team in Division 1 was upended by Kimberly, its rival that is separated by just five miles. The Ghosts lost six seniors, but return a strong nucleus of players. WFSCA first-team pitcher
Haley Hestekin is back for her sophomore season. She is joined by first-team all-state senior infielder
Haley Huss, junior infielder
Amanda Diedrich and senior outfielders
Morgan Johnson and
Alissa Heid. Kaukauna will have to fill the void left by catcher Keely Maloney and infielder Andrea Gocker, who were seniors.
View last season's Wisconsin softball stat leaders 4. Stevens Point2014 record: 24-6
Head coach: Tom Drohner
The Panthers averaged 8.7 runs per game last season. Their offense combined with strong pitching propelled them to the state tournament. Stevens Point has six starters back, including the coach's daughter, pitcher
Aubrey Drohner. She went 19-6 as a freshman and had an ERA just over 2.00. Battery mate
Jordan Kawlewski was a WFCA second-team all-state selection last year as a sophomore. The Panthers will have to replace their top hitter in second baseman Brianna Flugaur (over .500 batting average) and top home run hitter in shortstop Megan Roth (eight homers).
View the MaxPreps Wisconsin softball pro photo galleries5. Hortonville2014 record: 23-5
Head coach: Bob Pethke
The Polar Bears finished last season winning 13 of their final 14 games and advanced all the way to the state semifinals. The team hit double-digit runs in 12 games and will return some pop in its bats. However, pitching will determine how far Hortonville can get this season in the playoffs. As a sophomore,
Sammi Sullivan was solid in the circle with a 21-3 record, 1.00 ERA and 170 strikeouts. Third baseman
Jordyn Brennan was strong at the plate as a sophomore, registering about a .450 average with a team high in hits. Second baseman
Ally Fox also hit around .400.