Xavier seniors Melissa Evertt and Audrey Richards and sophomore Kayla Torson get ready for the next service. (Meghan Gerke photo/Xavier H.S.)

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By Lizzy McWhinney, Xavier senior

CEDAR RAPIDS – The Cedar Rapids Xavier volleyball team finished the regular season strong with two more Mississippi Valley Conference match victories.

The Saints took on the Prairie Hawks at Prairie High School on Oct. 9. With senior Sarah Homan getting 44 assists and sophomore Kayla Torsen collecting 20 kills, they came out with a victory, 25-23, 25-19 and 33-31.

On Oct. 13, the Saints participated in the MVC  tournament at Cedar Rapids Kennedy High School, going  2-1 in pool play after beating Washington and Jefferson and losing to Kennedy. The Saints advanced to bracket play, fight hard but  losing to Cedar Falls in the quarterfinals.

On Oct. 16, the Saints hosted 13th-ranked Dubuque Wahlert on  Senior Night. Nine Xavier seniors were recognized for their achievements and also for their future plans. The Saints won in five games with scores 27-25, 22-25, 28-26, 21-25 and 15-9. Senior Melissa Everett and senior Audrey Richards both had nine kills during the match.

“It was a great feeling to have a win on Senior Night,” senior Kelsey Boyer said.  ”After finishing our regular season on a positive note, we are all really excited for the road to state.”

After beating the Golden Eagles, the Saints raised their overall season record to 24-11. They were 6-0 in Valley Division matches and finished as the Valley Division Champions.

“Since our conference is a 5A dominance conference, we face big schools and tough competition all the time,” Coach Barb Sullivan said. “Dropping down to 4A does not mean that the teams are going to be easier, but competition is not as tough.”

The Saints had a bye in the first round of regionals and play Clear Creek Amana tonight at home. If the Saints win, they will advance to the regional final on Oct. 31.