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high school sportsSoftball

Softball preview: Others players, teams to watch

Other players to watch

Other teams to watch

Birdville (32-7 in 2012): Last year’s regional finalist is No. 1 in this year’s preseason 4A state rankings. Second baseman Cherlynn Townsend was all-district as a freshman.

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Ennis (36-6-1): The state’s second-ranked 4A team returns pitcher Taylor Maliska (26-5), who was a district MVP as a sophomore.

High School Sports

The latest news, analysis, predictions and more for each season.

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Flower Mound (24-12): Baylor signee Christy Lisenby and Texas Tech signee Ashley Fultz give last year’s regional quarterfinalist a powerful offense. Pitcher Annelise Oswalt (16-8) beat several of the state’s top teams last year as a freshman.

Frisco Wakeland (32-8): Has reached at least the regional semifinals each of the last five seasons. All-district infielders Jordan Swanner and Emily Acuna and all-district pitcher/outfielder Haley Hicks all hit .370 or better last year.

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Keller (21-7): District champ has three Division I signees: shortstop April Ryan (Texas A&M), infielder/catcher Brittany Lee (Texas Tech) and outfielder Tori Charters (Louisiana Tech).

Kennedale (26-13): Class 3A regional finalist returns nine starters, including all-district pitchers Allie Turner and Kaitlyn Leeds.

Lovejoy (24-8): The jump from 3A to 4A shouldn’t hurt. Stephen F. Austin signee Brittany Lewis (16-4, 1.12 ERA, .494 batting average) and Louisiana Tech signee Amanda Gray (hit .407) were all-state and pitcher Danielle Brochu (9-4, 2.24 ERA) has committed to Texas Tech.

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Mansfield Legacy (27-6): Baylor pledge Kendall Potts (12-2, 1.59 ERA) is one of the area’s best pitchers, and Tulsa signees Brittany and Briana Walker provide plenty of offense. After winning a district title in 5A, Legacy moves down to 4A but joins a district with state-ranked Ennis and Waxahachie.

McKinney Boyd (29-7-1): Iowa pledge Erin Riding was 20-6 with 1.43 ERA as a freshman last season, and center fielder Mo McDonald hit .521 and had 40 steals as a junior. After reaching the regional quarterfinals, Boyd returns eight starters.

Plano (29-6): Memphis signee Calli Irvin takes over for all-state pitcher Kat Batey. Central Arkansas pledge Tori Seasor hit .357 for last year’s regional quarterfinal team.