Statesmen Tabbed for Third in Heart
William Penn University Athletics
by Wade Steinlage
Oskaloosa–The William Penn women’s basketball team is expected to be right in the thick of things as the Heart of America Athletic Conference Coaches’ Poll was released Thursday.
The Heart’s 13 coaches placed WPU (23-9 last year, 15-4 Heart) in a tie for third alongside Benedictine with 119 points. The navy and gold earned one first-place vote, while the Ravens have two top nods.
Central Methodist will look to defend its regular season and tournament titles as it took the top position with 135 points and five first-place votes. MidAmerica Nazarene matched CMU with five first-place votes as it claimed the runner-up spot with 129 points.
Grand View, with 99 points, and Baker with 96 points, were also near the top, while Clarke (77), Missouri Valley (58), Culver-Stockton (50), and Evangel (48) rounded out the top 10. Graceland and Mount Mercy are tied with 35 points apiece, and Peru State completed the standings with 14 points.
William Penn begins the campaign Saturday by hosting Association Free Lutheran Bible School at 1 p.m.
2018-2019 Heart Women’s Basketball Coaches’ Poll
(Number in parentheses is first-place votes)
1. Central Methodist–135 (5)
2. MidAmerica Nazarene–129 (5)
3. Benedictine–119 (2)
3. William Penn–119 (1)
5. Grand View–99
6. Baker–96
7. Clarke–77
8. Missouri Valley–58
9. Culver-Stockton–50
10. Evangel–48
11. Graceland–35
11. Mount Mercy–35
13. Peru State–14
