TUCSON, Ariz. -- Arizona Softball has been ranked third nationally in both the Preseason NFCA Division I Top 25 and the USA Softball Preseason Top 25, released on Tuesday.

The No. 3 preseason ranking is Arizona's highest since being tabbed No. 2 (NFCA) and No. 1 (USA Softball) prior to the 2011 season. Arizona finished 2020 ranked fourth in both polls.

Arizona is coming off a 22-3 season in 2020, returning seven starters and its top three pitchers from last year's squad. Additionally, Arizona welcomes back 2019 NFCA and Johnny Bench Catcher of the Year Dejah Mulipola, who took an Olympic Redshirt in 2020 to train with the U.S. Olympic Team. UA also welcomes in the nation's No. 1 recruiting class to complement the stellar group of returners.

The Wildcats feature four players on the roster named NFCA All-Americans the last year they were given out (2019) -- second baseman Reyna Carranco, shortstop Jessie Harper, catcher Mulipola and centerfielder Alyssa Palomino-Cardoza.

The Pac-12 has not yet announced a schedule for the upcoming season, but the NCAA softball season is scheduled to begin on Feb. 11.