WPU Chosen Fourth in Preseason Rating

Oskaloosa–The Statesmen women’s basketball team is expected to be in middle of a tight race for the league crown as the Heart of America Athletic Conference Preseason Coaches’ Poll was released Tuesday.

The Heart’s 13 coaches voted William Penn (30-3 last year, 22-2 Heart) to place fourth with 132 points. Despite being fourth, the navy and gold collected the highest level of respect from several coaches as they earned a league-best five first-place votes.

Central Methodist garnered the top spot with 142 points and two first-place votes, while MidAmerica Nazarene was a close second with 138 points and two top ballots. Clarke (133 points) was third and Benedictine (116 points) was fifth; both earned two first-place votes as well.

Evangel also eclipsed the century mark with 106 points to sit in sixth. Culver-Stockton (87), Baker (79), Missouri Valley (69), and Grand View (63) completed the top 10, while Peru State (40), Graceland (35), and Mount Mercy (30) rounded out the poll.

WPU starts the year next Tuesday by hosting Tabor at 5:30 p.m.

2019-2020 Heart Women’s Basketball Preseason Coaches’ Poll
(Number in parentheses is first-place votes)
1. Central Methodist–142 (2)
2. MidAmerica Nazarene–138 (2)
3. Clarke–133 (2)
4. William Penn–132 (5)
5. Benedictine–116 (2)
6. Evangel–106
7. Culver-Stockton–87
8. Baker–79
9. Missouri Valley–69
10. Grand View–63
11. Peru State–40
12. Graceland–35
13. Mount Mercy–30