1. O'Connor (Phoenix)
2015 record: 34-7
Head coach: Melissa Hobson

The Eagles won five straight in the postseason after a first-round loss to win the program's first state title, and they bring back plenty of talent to make a similar run possible. Junior pitcher Emma Vesely, who went 10-1 last year with a 1.96 ERA, recorded 66 strikeouts in 85 2/3 innings. Junior Hayley Busby, who hit .470 with 40 runs and 44 RBIs, and sophomore Grace Lyons, who hit .419 with five home runs, 46 runs and 41 RBIs as a freshman, should lead the offense along with four other returners, all of whom had at least 85 at bats last year.

See last season's Arizona softball computer rankings

2. Pinnacle (Phoenix)
2015 record: 25-10
Head coach: Kelly Loerakker

The team that beat SDO in the first round? The Pioneers. But that's where the postseason magic ended, as Pinnacle lost the next two. The two leading hitters a year ago should only keep growing as they continue to mature in the years while all three pitchers from last year are also expected to return to the circle this year. Jessica Mabrey (.443, 24 RBIs) and Marissa Schuld (.412, 31 RBIs) are those two hitters.

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3. Desert Vista (Phoenix)
2015 record: 19-11
Head coach: Felipe Beccera

Another case of a talented and young roster pushing the program to new heights after making some strides last year.
The Thunder eliminated Pinnacle with a roster that had only had one prominent senior and two overall. Senior Brooke Hughes was the top pitcher (17-8, 2.08) and also ranked in the top four in just about all offensive categories. She will be backed by sophomore Rion Simms (.341, 23 RBIs) and junior Kiara Kennedy (.333, 20 RBIs).

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4. Hamilton (Chandler)
2015 record: 19-12
Head coach: Rocky Parra

The Huskies actually missed out on the postseason last year, but there is almost no chance of that happening again. Hamilton returns a ton of experience as only two seniors had prominent roles on offense and they return senior Cheyenne Noli (15-9, 2.12). Leading hitter Bella Loomis (.495, 35 runs, 16 RBIs) and co-RBI leaders Nicole Spykstra (.373, 26 RBIs) and Valerie Holguin (.349, 26 RBIs) return to spark the Hamilton offense.

See last season's Arizona softball stat leaders

5. Red Mountain (Mesa)
2015 record: 24-10
Head coach: Rich Hamilton

The Mountain Lions had uncharacteristic year in 2015, and for Red Mountain that means anything less than a state title. Red Mountain had its string of five straight titles end last year, but still won a postseason game and played at a high level at times. No one would be surprised if Red Mountain returns to the top of this list in 2016. Senior Lyndsay Steverson (.492, 11 home runs, 53 RBIs) powers the offense with a strong junior class backing her up, while the pitching staff will be new for the most part after the loss of two seniors that combined to go 23-9.

Jason P. Skoda, a former Arizona Republic sports writer and current Prep Sports Director for 1013 Communications, is a 20-year sports writing veteran. Contact him at jskoda1024@aol.com.