Tampa Tribune Preseason Top 10

1. Chamberlain

The Chiefs, who advanced to the Class 5A final four last season, return three college-bound seniors in Mary Kate Smith (Stanford), Gina Kafalas (USF) and Danielle Moreda (Saint Leo).

2. Newsome

The Wolves made a surprise run to the 5A final four last season, led by Appalachian State-bound pitcher Ashley Stubbs and outfielder Jamie O'Hara. Both return this season.

3. Gaither

The Cowboys return the 2007 Tribune Softball Player of the Year in Morgan Grove, who pitched the team to a 6A region final. Infielder Kate Forbes (Charleston Southern) leads the defense.

4. Durant

The defending 6A-8 champ returns a trio of talent in senior pitcher Sara DeMuth (Augusta State), senior catcher Kristen Jones (Augusta State) and junior shortstop Kelsey Horton (Florida).

5. Plant

The Panthers, who advanced to the 5A region semifinals in 2007, are led by N.C. State-bound second baseman Hannah Ojeda, center fielder Grace Slone Collins and third baseman/catcher Sarah Bowling.

6. Plant City

The Raiders, who finished 15-9 last season, will be led by Alabama-bound catcher Kendall Dawson and junior pitcher Megan Still.

7. Sickles

The Gryphons, who will be led by Troy-bound pitcher Khrystyne Ely, finished 17-7 last season. South Florida Community College commitment Courtney Flach will control the infield.

8. Riverview

The Sharks finished 18-9 last season and will be led by Florida International-bound pitcher/outfielder Ashley McClain and Saint Leo-bound seniors Brittany Yates and Dianne Gonzalez.

9. Bloomingdale

The Bulls, who finished 17-11 last season, will be led by Saint Leo-bound pitcher Kristen Kelly and South Carolina Upstate-bound center fielder Katelyn Molkenthin.

10. East Bay

The Indians graduated just one senior from last year's 11-14 team and return top hitters Brittany Davis and Kimberly Pierce and sophomore pitcher Kayla Cox.

TRIBUNE PRESEASON TOP 10