TUCSON, Ariz. - After a successful fall season and short winter break, Arizona returned to Hillenbrand Stadium to hold its first practice of the New Year on Monday in preparation for the 2018 season.

Just over a month away from the Feb. 9 season-opener against Northwestern, the head coach Mike Candrea Wildcats took the field for some infield and outfield defense and took batting practice on the field. The on-field workout followed a morning endurance test on Bear Down Field and a team photo shoot.

Arizona will look to defend its Pac-12 Championship in 2018. Last season, the Wildcats went 52-9, 18-6 Pac-12, won their 11th conference title and advanced to their 12th NCAA Super Regional in the last 10 years.

The Wildcats will need to replace eight seniors from a year ago, including a trio of All-Americans -- Pac-12 Pitcher of the Year Danielle O'Toole, Pac-12 co-Player of the Year Katiyana Mauga and first-team all-conference shortstop Mo Mercado -- but return a solid core, including first-team All-American sophomore infielder Jessie Harper, sophomore catcher Dejah Mulipola, who was recently selected to compete for USA Softball this summer, and junior pitcher Taylor McQuillin, a finalist for last year's USA Softball Player of the Year.

In addition to UA's solid core, the Wildcats welcome 10 newcomers who participated in their first spring practice in Tucson. Those 10 newcomers include a seven-player freshman class that was rated as the No. 6 recruiting class nationally (FloSoftball) and three transfers. On Monday, Candrea announced the addition of a pair of transfers from Louisiana Lafayette -- 2017 Sun Belt Freshman of the Year Alyssa Denham and two-time All-American Aleah Craighton.

Today begins a five-month grind for the Wildcats, who will practice six-days-per-week leading up to the season opener before commencing their 56-game regular season.

Up Next: Arizona opens up the 2018 season on Feb. 9, when the Wildcats face Northwestern and Oklahoma State in Tempe, Arizona in the Kajikawa Classic.

Follow Arizona Softball: Be sure to follow Arizona on Twitter and Instagram (@ArizonaSoftball) to keep up with the team on and off the field.