Statesmen Tabbed for 11th in Heart
William Penn University Athletics
by Wade Steinlage
Oskaloosa–The William Penn softball team will look to be a darkhorse this spring as the Heart of America Athletic Conference Preseason Coaches’ Poll was released Monday.
The Heart’s 13 coaches placed WPU (14-38 last year, 8-8 Heart) in 11th with 53 points.
Central Methodist is atop the standings with 154 points and four first-place votes, but defending regular-season and tournament champion Grand View (153 points, four first-place votes) and Baker (151 points, four first-place votes) are expected to also battle for the crown.
MidAmerica Nazarene has the final first-place nod in fourth place with 122 points, while Mount Mercy is over the century mark as well with 117 points.
Benedictine (92), Culver-Stockton (90), Evangel (79), Clarke (61), and Graceland (59) are also ahead of the navy and gold, while Peru State (27) and Missouri Valley (26) round out the order.
William Penn will open the campaign on February 8-9, traveling to Fort Worth, Texas to compete in the Cowtown Classic.
2019 Heart Softball Coaches’ Poll
(Number in parentheses in first-place votes)
1. Central Methodist–154 (4)
2. Grand View–153 (4)
3. Baker–151 (4)
4. MidAmerica Nazarene–122 (1)
5. Mount Mercy–117
6. Benedictine–92
7. Culver-Stockton–90
8. Evangel–79
9. Clarke–61
10. Graceland–59
11. William Penn–53
12. Peru State–27
13. Missouri Valley–26
