WPU Picked 10th in Preseason Rating

by Wade Steinlage

Oskaloosa–The Statesmen women’s soccer team will enter 2019 seeking to move up the ladder as the Heart of America Athletic Conference preseason coaches’ poll was released Tuesday.

William Penn, which was 8-10-1 last year (3-8 Heart), is projected to finish 10th in the 12-team league.

Defending regular season and tournament champion Benedictine tops the ranking, while Central Methodist is second. MidAmerica Nazarene, Missouri Valley, and Grand View round out the top five.

Clarke, Graceland, Mount Mercy, and Culver-Stockton also sit in front of the navy and gold, while Baker and Evangel finish off the list.

WPU begins its campaign on August 24 by hosting Avila at 2 p.m., while the squad’s Heart schedule opens on September 18 with a home contest versus Culver-Stockton at 5 p.m.

2019 Heart Preseason Coaches’ Poll
1. Benedictine
2. Central Methodist
3. MidAmerica Nazarene
4. Missouri Valley
5. Grand View
6. Clarke
7. Graceland
8. Mount Mercy
9. Culver-Stockton
10. William Penn
11. Baker
12. Evangel