Statesmen Picked to Top Heart

Oskaloosa--The William Penn men's lacrosse team heads into the 2025 season as the frontrunner to grab the league crown as the Heart of America Athletic Conference preseason coaches poll was announced Friday.

WPU, which was 16-3 a year ago (4-1 Heart), is selected to be first out of the conference's 10 teams with 80 points.  The Statesmen won the Heart Championship title a year ago.

Benedictine, the 2024 regular season champion, is second with 74 points, while St. Ambrose comes in third with 61 points.

Missouri Baptist (49) and William Woods (46) round out the top five.  Columbia, with 44 points, leads the remaining group, while Clarke (39), Midland (23), Ottawa (Kan.) (23), and Missouri Valley (14) complete the poll.

William Penn opens the 2025 season on February 18 by traveling to Livonia, Mich. to face Madonna at 3 p.m.

2025 Heart Men's Lacrosse Preseason Coaches Poll
1. William Penn--80
2. Benedictine--74
3. St. Ambrose--61
4. Missouri Baptist--49
5. William Woods--46
6. Columbia--44
7. Clarke--39
8. Midland--23
8. Ottawa--23
10. Missouri Valley--14