Statesmen Looking for Improvement in Heart in 2017
William Penn University Athletics
by Wade Steinlage
Oskaloosa–The William Penn volleyball team will be seeking to earn respect from the league as the 2017 Heart of America Athletic Conference preseason coaches’ poll was released Thursday.
WPU, which was 7-27 a year ago (0-13 Heart), has been selected to finish 14th in the 14-team conference. The navy and gold, who garnered 169 points, were just 10 points behind Avila for 12th place.
Defending regular season and tournament champion Grand View is picked to top the Heart once again with 19 points. MidAmerica Nazarene is a close second with 28 points, while Missouri Valley is also right in the mix at the top with 34 points.
Then there is a significant drop to fourth with Peru State earning 67 points, while Central Methodist is right behind the Bobcats in fifth with 68 points. Baker is also tight in that trio with 75 points.
Mount Mercy (98) is seventh, while Evangel (102), Clarke (118), and Graceland (132) round out the top 10. Benedictine’s 135 points are good for 11th, while Avila (159) and Culver-Stockton (161) are also right in front of William Penn.
WPU’s season begins on August 18-19 as the Statesmen travel to Huntington, Ind. to compete in the Huntington Tournament. On Friday, the squad meets Brescia at 5 p.m. and host Huntington at 7 p.m., while on Saturday, William Penn faces Goshen at 11 a.m. and Saint Xavier at 5 p.m. William Penn’s home opener is August 22 against Grace (Neb.) at 6 p.m., while its first Heart contest (one of 19 total) is set for August 25 against Benedictine in Oskaloosa at 3:30 p.m.
2017 Heart of America Athletic Conference Preseason Coaches’ Poll
School–Points
1. Grand View–19
2. MidAmerica Nazarene–28
3. Missouri Valley–34
4. Peru State–67
5. Central Methodist–68
6. Baker–75
7. Mount Mercy–98
8. Evangel–102
9. Clarke–118
10. Graceland–132
11. Benedictine–135
12. Avila–159
13. Culver-Stockton–161
14. William Penn–169
