Editor’s note: Here is your chance to tell your story about your team, your school or your favorite player. If you’d like to join The Gazette’s growing list of high school contributors, contact J.R. Ogden at jr.ogden@thegazette.com

By Lizzy McWhinney, Xavier senior

CEDAR RAPIDS – The Xavier volleyball team fought hard against Class 5A Kennedy on Sept. 11.

After the first two matches, the Saints were down 2-0. However, they were able to win the next two matches to tie the game up at two sets each. In game five, the Saints were defeated with a score of 15-11. This game did not hurt the team’s standing in the IGHSAU poll, however. The Saints still ranked were seventh in class 4A.

“I feel really good about the way the season is going and we are always looking to improve, but when we play our game we can beat anybody,” senior captain Sarah Homan said.

On Sept. 15, the Saints competed in the Benton Community tournament. They won their pool with a 3-0 record, beating Durant, Cascade and Marion. The Saints moved on to the semifinals against Union. The Knights came out with the victory, winning with scores of 25-23 and 28-26.

Although the Saints did not make it to the championship game, they saw good personal results. Sophomore Kayla Torson gathered 35 kills and 24 digs along with Homan made 87 assists and junior Halle Heying collected 33 digs.

On Sept. 18, the Saints hosted 5A top-ranked Iowa City High. Xavier lost in three games, 25-18, 25-23, and 25-19.

The Saints are now ranked eighth in the IGHSAU poll .

On Sept. 22, they competed in the Dubuque Invitational. The Saints went 2-1 in pool play, beating Jefferson and Dubuque Senior and losing to 5A Pleasant Valley. In the quarterfinals, the Saints beat Kennedy. City High beat the Saints in the semifinals, and ended up placing second overall. Pleasant Valley took first. The Saints beat Washington in straight sets Tuesday.