TUCSON, Ariz. – Arizona Softball has been ranked No. 11 in the USA Softball Preseason Top 25, released on Tuesday.
 
The Wildcats are one of five Pac-12 teams ranked in the USA Softball Top 25. UCLA is ranked No. 3, followed by No. 7 Washington, No. 17 Oregon, and No. 21 Arizona State. Arizona will play No. 1 Oklahoma, No. 2 Alabama, and No. 3 UCLA in addition to four other Top-25 opponents during the season.
 
The Wildcats are coming off a 41-15 season and their 24th trip to the Women's College World Series. Arizona is returning three starting position players and three pitchers, including All-American and Pac-12 Freshman of the Year Janelle Meoño and All-Pac-12 performers Sharlize Palacios and Hanah Bowen. Arizona welcomes four freshman and transfers Bailey Thompson and Blaise Biringer to the team.
 
Arizona will open the 2022 season with the inaugural Candrea Classic at Hillenbrand Stadium on February 10-13. The Wildcats will face their first ranked opponent, No. 2 Alabama, on Saturday, February 12.