Soccer Teams Ninth in League Preseason Polls

William Penn University Athletics

by Wade Steinlage

Oskaloosa–The William Penn soccer programs have proven they can compete against the league’s best and will now look to pick off some of those higher teams to move up the rankings as the Heart of America Athletic Conference released its preseason polls Tuesday.

The Statesmen are ninth on both the men’s and women’s sides. The men were 8-10-2 (4-7-1 Heart) a year ago, while the women are coming off a 7-11-1 campaign (4-7-1 Heart). Both squads reached the Heart Tournament Quarterfinals in 2016.

Grand View is topping the men’s poll, while Benedictine (Kan.) is first for the women.

The Statesmen men begin their season Saturday against Bellevue at home at 5 p.m., while the women open up next Saturday, August 26 also at home against Doane at 3 p.m.

2017 Heart of America Athletic Conference Preseason Men’s Soccer Poll
1. Grand View
2. MidAmerica Nazarene
3. Baker
4. Benedictine (Kan.)
5. Missouri Valley
5. Central Methodist
7. Graceland
8. Culver-Stockton
9. William Penn
10. Mount Mercy
11. Evangel
12. Clarke
13. Avila

2017 Heart of America Athletic Conference Preseason Women’s Soccer Poll
1. Benedictine (Kan.)
2. Baker
3. MidAmerica Nazarene
4. Missouri Valley
5. Central Methodist
6. Graceland
7. Culver-Stockton
8. Grand View
9. William Penn
10. Clarke
11. Mount Mercy
12. Avila
13. Evangel