William Penn Projected Fifth in Heart

William Penn University Athletics

Oskaloosa–The Statesmen softball team is expected to bounce back from a disappointing 2016 season as the Heart of America Athletic Conference released its Coaches’ Poll Monday.

The Heart’s 14 coaches picked William Penn (19-32 last year, 6-16 Heart) to place fifth with 80 points. Defending league tournament champion Grand View heads the class with 120 points, clipping defending regular season winner Central Methodist (119 points) by just one point.

Evangel also eclipsed the century mark with 101 points, while Avila is ahead of WPU as well with 84 points. Then things tighten up with MidAmerica Nazarene sixth with 79 points, while Culver-Stockton (77), Benedictine (68), Clarke (62), and Baker (55) round out the top 10.

Mount Mercy (40), Missouri Valley (23), Graceland (22), and Peru State (15) complete the poll.

William Penn opens its season on February 10-11 by traveling to Fort Worth, Texas to compete in the Cowtown Classic. The Statesmen will face off against McPherson, William Woods, Bellevue, York, and Concordia (Neb.) in the Classic.

2017 Heart Softball Coaches’ Poll
(Number in parentheses is first-place votes)
1. Grand View–120
2. Central Methodist–119
3. Evangel–101
4. Avila–84
5. William Penn–80
6. MidAmerica Nazarene–79
7. Culver-Stockton–77
8. Benedictine–68
9. Clarke–62
10. Baker–55
10. Mount Mercy–40
12. Missouri Valley-23
13. Graceland–22
14. Peru State—15