Statesmen Picked Fifth in Heart’s Preseason Poll
William Penn University Athletics
by Wade Steinlage
Oskaloosa–The William Penn women’s basketball team is expected to be a major player in the league race as the Heart of America Athletic Conference Coaches’ Poll was released Tuesday.
The Heart’s 14 coaches placed WPU (18-14 last year, 16-10 Heart) in a tie for fifth with Clarke with 105 points.
Benedictine claimed the top spot with 157 points and seven first-place votes, while defending regular season and tournament champion Baker is right there as well with 154 points and four first-place nods.
Central Methodist, with 146 points and one first-place vote, and MidAmerica Nazarene, with 145 points and two first-place votes, make a tight battle at the head of the class.
Grand View (92), Missouri Valley (88), Evangel (74), and Mount Mercy (63) round out the top 10, while Culver-Stockton (54), Avila (40), Graceland (35), and Peru State (16) finish the standings.
William Penn begins the 2017-2018 campaign by hitting the road for Orange City next Tuesday to play Northwestern at 6 p.m.
Today is the Heart’s Virtual Media Day. Fans can view the Virtual Media Page at http://www.heartofamericaconference.com/2017_18_WBB_Virtual_Media_Day
2017-2018 Heart Women’s Basketball Coaches’ Poll
(Number in parentheses is first-place votes)
1. Benedictine–157 (7)
2. Baker–154 (4)
3. Central Methodist–146 (1)
4. MidAmerica Nazarene–145 (2)
5. Clarke–105
5. William Penn–105
7. Grand View–92
8. Missouri Valley–88
9. Evangel–74
10. Mount Mercy–63
11. Culver-Stockton–54
12. Avila–40
13. Graceland–35
14. Peru State–16
