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See a Utah player go all out to save a run in a state title game last season.MaxPreps 2017 Arizona preseason softball Fab 5 presented by the Army National Guard
1. Hamilton (Chandler)2016 record: 31-7
Head coach: Rocky Parra
The big-school defending champion returns four players who hit over .400 with at least 100 at-bats, led by
Taylor Gindlesperger (.486, 13 extra base hits, 29 runs, 36 RBIs) and
Ali Ashner (.477, 13 extra base hits, 36 runs and 22 RBIs). The Huskies have three arms back in the fold, including
Madison Seigworth (12-3, 1.65 ERA).
See the MaxPreps Arizona softball computer rankings presented by the Army National Guard2. O'Connor (Phoenix)2016 record: 29-11
Head coach: Melissa Hoban
The Eagles return a solid core from last year's squad that was among the last five teams left among the big schools.
Emma Vesely (6-2, 3.71 ERA) should be the top arm, but O'Connor's strength should come at the plate.
Hayley Busby (.528, 14 HRs, 26 doubles, 43 runs, 70 RBIs) is a Player of the Year candidate, while
Savanna Avilla (.496, 35 runs, 20 RBIs) and
Grace Lyons (.467, 6 HRs, 49 runs, 36 RBIs) should be very productive as well.
See the MaxPreps Arizona softball stat leaderboards3. Pinnacle (Phoenix)2016 record: 30-8
Head coach: Kelly Loerakker
Jackie Kelley, Pinnacle
Photo by Mark Jones
Loerakker takes over a program left in a very good position by Bobby Pena after the Pioneers finished as the big-school runner up. The Pioneers have two aces in the circle in
CC Cook (18-3, 1.02) and
Marissa Schuld (11-5, 1.37). A trio of bats should push the offense, as
Jackie Kelley,
Nicole Amodio and
Jessica Mabrey all hit .380 or better last season.
See the MaxPreps Arizona softball photos4. Desert Ridge (Mesa)2016 record: 25-10
Head coach: Jennifer Broderick
The Jaguars had consistent offense last year behind returners
Leah Molina (.496, 12 extra base hits, 52 runs and 21 RBIs), while
Shaylee Ackerman looks to build off last year's huge freshman campaign when she hit .462 with 13 home runs and 48 RBIs and also went 13-4 with a 3.52 ERA in the circle.
See the MaxPreps Arizona softball playoff brackets 5. Catalina Foothills (Tucson)2016 record: 27-10
Head coach: Mark Stevens
After winning the Division III title last year, the Falcons are in a new conference, but it doesn't really matter which level
Nic Conway (23-6, 1.06 ERA, 302 Ks in 198 innings) plays at because she likely will dominate. She also led the team with a .430 average with 30 RBIs.
Natalie Stevens (.317, 29 runs, 18 RBIs) and
Zoe Garcia (.311, 14 runs, 16 RBIs) will also provide quality at-bats.