The two-time defending national champion Arizona softball team has been named the No. 1 team in America by the USA Today/National Fastpitch Coaches Association preseason poll that was released yesterday. The Wildcats received 27 of 29 possible first-place votes.

Arizona has now been ranked No. 1 for at least part of the year in the national rankings for 18 consecutive seasons.

The Wildcats went 50-14-1 last season en route to their 10th straight Pacific 10 Conference title and eighth NCAA Championship in program history. Six position starters, including All-American pitcher Taryne Mowatt, return to the team. UA head coach Mike Candrea, however will take the year off to coach the USA Olympic softball team.

Arizona opens the season in Tempe at the Kajikawa Classic on Feb. 15 against Notre Dame.

– Arizona Daily Wildcat

USA Today/NFCA Preseason Poll

1. Arizona (27)
2. Texas A&M
3. Arizona State
4. Alabama
5. Oklahoma
6. Tennessee (1)
7. Northwestern
8. Baylor
9. Louisiana State
10. DePaul