Check out the FloVolleyball NCAA Countdown, where we rank the top 20 collegiate women's volleyball teams in the country leading up to opening day on August 26. The No. 8 spot goes to Washington this year, and here's why:

The Upshot

Over the past three seasons, Washington's record is 94-9. This 2016 Huskies team—without any seniors!—just might make it their fourth season in a row with three or fewer losses.

Last Season

• 31-3 overall, 18-2 in Pac-12 (co-champions with Southern California)
  
• 3-1 in NCAA Tournament (lost 3-1 vs. Nebraska)
  
• No. 8 in final 2015 RPI
  
• Team hitting percentage: .305 (No. 2 in nation)
  
• Opponents' hitting percentage: .153 (No. 6 in nation)
  
• Team blocks per set: 2.89 (No. 13 in nation)
  

The Players

RETURNING STARS

Tia Scambray | 6-0 | Junior | Outside Hitter
2.61 kills/set (.226); 0.63 blocks/set

Courtney Schwan | 6-1 | Junior | Outside Hitter
2.82 kills/set (.310); 0.42 blocks/set

Bailey Tanner | 6-1 | Junior | Setter
5.68 assists/set

Crissy Jones | 6-2 | Junior | Opposite
2.08 kills/set (.276); 0.96 blocks/set

Destiny Julye | 5-11 | Sophomore | Outside Hitter
1.90 kills/set (.239); 0.29 blocks/set

PROMISING NEWCOMERS

Kam McLain | 6-1 | Grad | Middle Blocker
Transfer from Boston College; 1.80 kills/set (.244); 1.05 blocks/set

Avie Niece | 6-0 | Freshman | Middle Blocker

Shayne McPherson | 5-6 | Freshman | Libero

Cailin Onosko | 5-6 | Freshman | Defensive Specialist

Kara Bajema | 6-2 | Freshman | Outside Hitter

BIGGEST LOSSES

Lianna Sybeldon | 6-1 | Middle Blocker
2.60 kills/set (.450, No. 2 in NCAA); 1.37 blocks/set (No. 15 in nation); First-Team AVCA All-American

Melanie Wade | 6-4 | Middle Blocker
1.78 kills/set (.373); 1.29 blocks/set

Cassie Strickland | 5-8 | Libero
4.20 digs/set

Katy Beals | 5-11 | Setter
6.03 assists/set

Non-Conference Matches to Watch

September 11 at Hawaii

Outlook

In 2015, Washington entered the NCAA Tournament ranked No. 1 in the AVCA Poll. No team in the nation had a bigger spread between its own hitting percentage (.305) and its opponents' percentage (.153). In addition, no team had more offensive balance (six hitters averaging between 1.90 and 2.82 kills/set). The Huskies graduated four core players, including First-Team All-American Lianna Sybeldon, but the most impressive junior class in the country will make plenty of noise for two more seasons. UW's outsides--Tia Scambray and Courtney Schwan--are strong and not easily ruffled. Both have quick arms and are excellent passers. That will give hand setter Bailey Tanner plenty of options, including the vastly improved opposite Crissy Jones. Coach Keegan Cook (second season) is not yet sure whether he'll continue Washington's successful 6-2 offense; if he does, Jade Finau will be the second setter. Boston College transfer Kam McLain--a local product who is now in grad school--will be one middle and freshman Avie Niece will probably be the other. Two other freshmen--Shayne McPherson and Cailin Onosko--will compete for the libero position. Since the first weekend of 2001, the Huskies have lost--get this--just four non-conference regular-season matches: twice to Texas, and twice to Hawaii. On September 11, Washington will likely bring a 78-match non-conference win streak to, of all places, Hawaii. Mark your calendars!

Prediction

Washington's first two weeks of Pac-12 play include road matches at USC and Oregon, and a home date against Stanford. The Huskies could again go deep in the tournament for a good shot at another national semifinal appearance.

Previously:
20. Louisville
19. UNC
18. BYU
17. Illinois
16. Purdue
15. Texas A&M
14. Oregon
13. Ohio State
12. Penn State
11. Florida
10. USC
9. Hawaii

Additional research and reporting contributed by Leslie Hamann.