Statesmen Projected for Middle of the Pack in Heart

Oskaloosa–The William Penn softball team could be a potential darkhorse this spring as the Heart of America Athletic Conference preseason coaches poll was announced Wednesday.

WPU, which was 20-30 last year (13-22 Heart), is picked to finish eighth in the 14-team league with 89 points.

Three-time defending regular-season champion Grand View gets the nod to again take the league crown with 16 points, while Central Methodist is right on the Vikings’ heels with 20 points.

Mount Mercy is a distance third with 40 points, while Baker, with 53 points, and Benedictine, with 61, round out the top five. Evangel (77) and MidAmerica Nazarene (87) are also ahead of William Penn in the preseason poll.

Culver-Stockton (105) is ninth, while Graceland and Peru State (131 each) are tied for 10th. Completing the rating is Missouri Valley (138), Clarke (141), and Park (156).

William Penn opens the 2022 campaign in Bethany, Kan. on Feb. 26 with a doubleheader against Avila at 1 p.m.

2022 Heart Softball Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Grand View–16
2. Central Methodist–20
3. Mount Mercy–40
4. Baker–53
5. Benedictine–61
6. Evangel–77
7. MidAmerica Nazarene–87
8. William Penn–89
9. Culver-Stockton–105
10. Graceland–131
10. Peru State–131
12. Missouri Valley–138
13. Clarke–141
14. Park–156