Oskaloosa–The William Penn women’s basketball team will open up its post-holiday slate in a favorable position as the NAIA Division I top-25 poll was released Tuesday.

The Statesmen (8-4, 6-2 Heart), who are off to their best start since 2010-2011, picked up three positions from the last ranking to be unofficially tied for 30th with eight points.  It is the highest WPU has been ranked since also being #30 on February 19, 2013.

The navy and gold are one of five teams from the Heart of America Athletic Conference in the poll.  MidAmerica Nazarene is #5, while #14 Baker, #16 Central Methodist, and #19 Benedictine are rated as well.

Freed Hardeman (Tenn.) continues to be #1 with 250 points and nine first-place votes.  Lewis-Clark State (Idaho) is second with the final top nod, while Westmont (Calif.), Lindsey Wilson (Ky.), and MidAmerica Nazarene round out the top five.

For the complete poll, click here http://www.naia.org/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=27900&ATCLID=211390400