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

Video: All-state shortstop with first softball MPTopPlay of the year
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1. Penn (Mishawaka)
Head coach: Beth Zachary
2016 record: 26-4, Class 4A runner-up

The Kingsmen hope to take their softball season one step farther this year and capture the Class 4A state title that eluded them last season. Danielle Watson, a Gatorade State Player of the Year candidate, will lead the charge. As a junior, the Louisville recruit posted a 21-3 record with a microscopic 0.35 ERA, allowing only 12 runs and 35 hits in 147 innings. Michigan State recruit Katie Quinlan batted .466, scored 36 runs and made no errors in center field. Another Louisville recruit, second baseman Madelynn Newman, batted .394 with 23 runs and 25 RBIs. Sophomore pitcher-first baseman Mackenzie Griman batted .411 as a freshman and already has committed to Butler University.

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2. Avon
Head coach: Jennifer Jones
2016 record: 26-5, Class 4A champion

The Orioles were a surprise state champion one year ago, but they bring back six starters in a bid to make it back-to-back. Senior Haylie Foster, who has chosen the University of Indianapolis, carries high hopes after posting an 18-4 record with 150 strikeouts and she also was the top hitter with a .461 average, four home runs and 26 RBIs. Her twin, centerfielder Sydnie Foster, batted .438 and did not make an error. Another sister (but not a twin), Kamrie Foster, batted .299 and made no errors in left field. Senior Amy Miller and sophomore Logan Shake lend plenty of depth to the pitching staff.

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3. Crown Point
Head coach: Pete Iussig
2016 record: 28-2 The Bulldogs would give their kingdom for a couple of runs in the state playoffs, having been eliminated each of the last two years by paper-thin 1-0 margins. Notre Dame recruit Alexis Holloway brings back a perfect 13-0 pitching record and a .385 batting average. She struck out 176, walked 16 and allowed 33 hits while posting a 0.38 ERA in 92.2 innings. Northwestern recruit Mackenzie Dunlap, a shortstop, batted .452 with 30 RBIs and 17 stolen bases. Senior third baseman Natalie Klingberg batted .316.

See the MaxPreps Indiana softball stat leaders

4. Center Grove (Greenwood)
Head coach: Russ Milligan
2016 record: 24-4

The Trojans will count on five returning starters as a strong nucleus for this season. Pitcher Abby Herbst posted a 13-1 record with a 1.22 ERA and also batted .519 with 35 RBIs and four homers. Third baseman/catcher Jordyn Rudd batted .479 with 31 runs, 38 RBIs and seven home runs. Outfielders Maddie Keeley and Hannah Burris batted .459 and .361, respectively. Keeley scored 34 runs.

See the MaxPreps Indiana softball playoff brackets

5. Floyd Central (Floyds Knobs)
Head coach: Sean Payne
2016 record: 28-4

The Highlanders, who have six starters and four Division I players, again are expected to run wild on the base paths this spring. Murray State recruit Jensen Striegel stole 48 bases in 49 tries as a junior. She also batted .548 and scored 41 runs. Ball State recruit Taylor Castleberry stole 30 bases, scored 31 runs and batted .402. Seniors Jenna Endris and Paige Meyer batted .452 and .444, respectively.