2016 Utah Preseason Softball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard
1. Lehi2015 record: 28-9
Head coach: Tim Kennedy
It's safe to say that the defending Class 5A champions will have no trouble picking up where they left off. Lehi will be tough in the circle with top pitchers
Sydney White and
Stefani Zimmerman both returning. White pitched nearly every inning for the Pioneers during their successful championship run and finished the season with 15 wins in the circle. She also doubled as Lehi's leadoff batter. In this role, White scored 52 runs, had 30 RBIs, 15 doubles, four triples and six home runs while boasting a .431 batting average. Zimmerman notched 10 wins for the Pioneers. She totaled 84 strikeouts in 93 innings and had an ERA of 3.44.
See last season's Utah computer rankings
2. Bingham (South Jordan)2015 record: 21-10
Head coach: Mikki Jackson
The Miners will be one of Class 5A's toughest teams. Multi-sport star
Torre Glasker is one reason behind it. Glasker, who is committed to play volleyball for Utah, is a formidable batter. She tallied 47 hits, 42 runs and 30 RBIs with a .467 batting average and an .806 slugging percentage as a junior. Several key contributors are back alongside Glasker.
Taylor Jerant and
Hanna Reid are also capable offensive threats. Reid led the team as a freshman with 34 RBIs. She also tallied 23 runs on 36 hits. Jerant totaled 28 runs, 41 hits and 28 RBIs as a sophomore last spring.
See last season's Utah softball photo galleries3. Spanish Fork2015 record: 27-5
Head coach: Don Andrews
When you have one of the best pitchers in the state, winning championships comes with the territory. Spanish Fork rode the arm of
Cambrie Hazel to a Class 4A title last spring. Hazel complied a 19-3 record and notched 157 strikeouts in 126 innings. She finished her sophomore season with a 0.78 ERA. Her pitching helped the Dons outscore opponents 38-3 over five playoff games.
Taylor Miller gives the Spanish Fork offense some extra punch. Miller tallied a team best 10 home runs and added 11 doubles as a junior a year ago.
See last season's Utah playoff brackets4. Herriman (West Herriman)2015 record: 26-6
Head coach: Heidi McKissick
Hungry doesn't began to describe how the Mustangs feel after losing twice to Lehi to finish as Class 5A runner-up last season. Herriman has the pieces in place to finish the job this time around.
Bryce Taylor is dominant both as a pitcher and a hitter. Taylor racked up a 16-3 record in the circle last season – the most wins of any pitcher in her classification. At the plate, Taylor tallied a Class 5A-best eight triples and boasted a .573 batting average.
Ashlyn Visser and
Dayna Hokanson offer capable support in generating offense. Visser had a .519 batting average last season and Hokanson tallied 16 doubles.
See last season's Utah statistical leaders5. Murray2015 record: 20-9
Head coach: Lisa Parker
Few teams could match Murray's offensive prowess last season. This story may repeat itself in 2016. The Spartans return several top playmakers from a year ago with
Emma Noble leading the way. Noble tallied 11 home runs, 40 RBIs and 59 runs on 53 hits. She boasted a sizzling .546 batting average.
Lexie Sprague is another big hitter for Murray. Sprague tallied 12 home runs, 41 RBIs and 35 runs on 35 hits with a .438 batting average.
Cassidy Howe is another force at the plate. Howe tallied 40 runs and 26 RBIs on 50 hits last spring.
John Coon covers Utah high school sports for MaxPreps. You can contact him at john_coon@hotmail.com and follow him on Twitter at @johncoonsports
