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

1. Lincoln County (Hamlin)
2014 finish: 31-8, won 3A state championship
Head coach: Rod Hoover

The Panthers are again the prime team to beat in the state. Lincoln County has won two state titles in the last four years. Senior catcher Brandi Isaacs returns, along with pitcher Faith Huffman, third baseman Megan Tully and right fielder Whitney McKay. First team all-state junior shortstop Sarah Barrett will also play a key role.

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

2. Buffalo
2014 finish: 29-7, won fourth-straight 1A state championship
Head coach: Darrell Moore

Back for the Bison are senior shortstop and pitcher Ali Burdette, arguably the best player in the state, who hit .439 and had a 17-4 pitching record last year. Also returning are junior catcher and third baseman Chase Christy, who hit .390, and senior centerfielder Olivia Dunn, who hit .372, and senior outfielder Taylor Briscoe, who batted .310.

View last season's West Virginia softball playoff brackets

3. Hoover (Clendenin)
2014 finish: 32-6, won 2A state championship
Head coach: Missy Smith

The Huskies won their first softball title in school history last year. Everything begins with state Player of the Year senior pitcher Allison Rager, who posted a 21-5 record, with 146 strikeouts and a 0.89 ERA — and hit .500. Also back are senior shortstop Zoey Carte, who hit .325, senior right fielder Kati Angle (.300) and senior second baseman Caroline Thornburg.

View last season's West Virginia softball stat leaders

4. Logan
2014 finish: 28-5, lost in the 3A regional semifinals
Head coach: Randy Robinette

The Wildcats return both of their pitchers, senior Aarron Ward and junior Hana Sedlock, along with senior centerfielder Summer Collins, who is one of the better defensive fielders in the state, hit .420 and is committed to Marshall, and senior first baseman Kiana Hill, who hit .350. Also back are sophomore shortstop Kelsey Ward and junior third baseman Taylor Napier.

View the MaxPreps West Virginia softball pro photo galleries

5. Hurricane
2014 finish: 23-5, lost in the sectional playoffs to eventual 3A state champion Lincoln County
Head coach: Josh Caldwell

The Redskins return four prominent players starting with senior pitchers Courtney Rogers, who was 12-3 last year, and Emily Davis, who was 11-2. Senior second baseman Madison Casto hit .522 with two triples, and senior shortstop Cassi Sargent hit .440 last season.