Arizona's final spot in the poll matched its top ranking of the year, achieved previously three times. The Cats finished the year 21-11 and swept Virginia and Texas in the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament before falling to Stanford in the regional semifinals.

Head coach David Rubio will return 12 letterwinners and five starters next fall, including All-District 8 performers Dana Burkholder, who will be a junior setter, and senior middle blocker Marisa DaLee.