The Statesmen volleyball team will begin the 2015 campaign with the unenviable task of moving out of the league cellar as the Heart of America Athletic Conference preseason coaches’ poll was released Thursday.

William Penn, which ended last fall at 2-30 overall (0-6 MCC), has been selected 12th in its new league, while defending Heart champion Evangel is picked at the top.

Fellow MCC newbie Grand View is second in the poll with MidAmerica Nazarene (2014 HAAC co-champion) in third.

Graceland, Culver-Stockton, Baker, Peru State, Benedictine (Kan.), Missouri Valley, Central Methodist, and Avila fall in from #4-#11.

WPU’s season opens on August 22 with a triangular in Cedar Rapids against host Mount Mercy and Purdue-North Central (Ind.). A matchup versus Central Methodist in Fayette, Mo. on September 8 will serve as the team’s first league contest.

2015 Heart of America Athletic Conference Preseason Coaches’ Poll
School Points (First Place Votes)
1. Evangel
2. Grand View
3. MidAmerica Nazarene
4. Graceland
5. Culver-Stockton
6. Baker
7. Peru State
8. Benedictine (Kan.)
9. Missouri Valley
10. Central Methodist
11. Avila
12. William Penn

Story provided by Wade Steinlage, WPU Sports Information Director