MaxPreps 2017 Texas preseason high school softball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

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1. Keller
2016 record: 32-7
Head coach: Bryan Poehler

The most pressing need for the defending Class 6A state champions is to find a replacement for pitcher Kaylee Rogers, lost to graduation, and her 29-5 pitching record. Sophomore Dylann Kaderka (2-1) and senior Sarah Taylor (1-1) saw limited varsity duty in the Indians' run to their seventh state tournament appearance. There will also be big shoes to fill with the graduation of catcher Shelby Henderson, the cleanup hitter. But five of the top six hitters in the batting order return: sophomore outfielder Amanda Desario, North Texas signee Kourtney Williams, junior third baseman Kasey Simpson, senior second baseman Camryn Woodall (Utah signee) and sophomore outfielder Caraline Woodall. Desario and Camryn Woodall were the only underclassmen on the 6A All-State Tournament Team.

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2. Deer Park
2016 record: 33-4
Head coach: Carrie Austgen

Until running into eventual state finalist Pearland in the Region III quarterfinals, Deer Park appeared to be on course for its third state title since 2012. The Deer spent much of the season ranked No. 1 in the state and return half of their pitching rotation. UT-San Antonio signee Madison Nelson is coming off a 15-1 campaign in which she struck out 99 in 82 innings. Some productive bats return in junior outfielder McKayala Chamberlain (.500), sophomore shortstop Amaya Montano (.375), junior infielder Maleah Olvera (.396, five homers), junior catcher Ashlyn Wade (.403, 37 RBIs) and outfielder/pitcher Erin Edmoundson (.386).

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3. Birdville (North Richland Hills)
2016 record: 30-10
Head coach: John Love

Last season's Class 5A state champion returns seven of its state championship game starters. Heading the list is Oregon-pledged pitcher Grace Green, 21-5 a year ago as a freshman. Power-hitting senior third baseman Elena Garcia is the key offensive returnee in a lineup that also returns second baseman Gianna Valforte in the leadoff spot, first baseman Calie Burris (Abilene Christian signee) at cleanup and Green. Other returning starters include junior outfielders Maygan Paul, Payton Walker and sophomore designated player Natalie Powell. Garcia was named 5A State Tournament MVP and Green, Burris and Paul were other All-Tournament selections. Graduation hit Birdville in three areas that Love will need to address -- catcher, shortstop and center field.

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4. Plano West
2016 record: 28-5
Head coach: Mike Ledsome The Wolves were an out away last season from a Region I quarterfinal series victory over eventual state champion Keller. Instead, a walk-off two-run double proved a disappointing end for Plano West. Hopes for a happier conclusion this year center on Sierra Lange. The senior pitcher carved out a 20-3 record in 2016 with a 0.56 earned run average and 270 strikeouts on the way to District 6-6A MVP honors. She also batted .380. Over the summer, the George Washington University pledge was the only high-school player on the Philippines national team (her mother is Filipino). Key offensive returnees include senior first baseman Mikaela Gilliam (.406 batting average last year), senior shortstop Sophia Mapes (.366, team-leading 34 RBIs), sophomore outfielder Elisa Rosado (.352) and senior outfielder Gabi Hancher (.299).

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5. Willis
2016 record: 30-4
Head coach: Stephanie Shelly

Senior right-handed pitcher Casey Dixon leads a large cast of returnees from a 2016 team that exited the playoffs in the third round. Dixon, a Louisiana-Lafayette signee, went 25-2 with a 1.13 earned run average, striking out 311. She also batted .364 with 38 RBIs and was named MVP of District 18-5A. Returning are All-District selections McKenzie Parker (.559, 38 RBIs, nine homers), Kalynn Johnson (.417, 25 RBIs), Samara Lagway (.367, seven homers) and Taylor Rightmire.