The Xavier volleyball team gets ready for state play. (Sammi Shepard photo/Xavier senior)

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By Lizzy McWhinney, Xavier senior

CEDAR RAPIDS – The Xavier  volleyball season came to a close after hard-fought regional wins that ultimately lead up to a state tournament apperance.

The Saints had a bye in the first round of playoffs and began their run at state on Oc. 25, beating Clear Creek Amana in a regional semifinal, 25-16, 25-21 and 27- 25. Junior Kasey Vanden Bosch had 15 kills for Xavier and junior Halle Heying compiling 14 digs.

The Saints swept Fairfield in the regional final game in Washington, Iowa, on Oct. 30,  25-21, 25-13 and 25-15.

That win allowed the Saints to reach the state tournament for the third time in four years.

“It was really satisfying since we worked hard all summer and all season to get to state,” senior Melissa Everett said.  ”It was just a great feeling knowing that all the time and effort paid off.”

The Saints advanced to the state quarterfinal game last Wednesday.

“The chemistry of the team is much different this year. They are all very dedicated,” Coach Barb Sullivan said.

The quarterfinal game was held at the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena.

The Saints huddle up during state. (Sammi Shepard photo/Xavier senior)

“I was really excited, but nervous since I had never been there before,” Everett said.

The Saints gave Charles City a good run. After losing the first two games, 25-18 and 25-17, Xavier kept itself  in the game by winning the third game, 25-20. In the fourth game, Charles City came out with the victory and ended up winning the Class 4A State championship after defeating Waverly–Shell Rock.

The Saints were presented with a plaque for making it to the state tournament.

“After having gone to state before, getting to go there again was a lot of fun and being with this team made it even better,” senior captain Sarah Homan said.

Throughout the entire season, Homan collected 1,004 assists – tops in Class 4A.

“This was probably the best senior leadership we’ve ever had, on and off the court. They pushed themselves so hard that it made everyone else want to rise to their level,” Sullivan said.

Junior Halle Heying, who will be a returning starter for next year’s team, has high hopes.

“I would like to see us make it to state again and become even closer as a team,” she said.  ”I would also want us to make top five in rankings.”

Even though the Saint’s season has come to a close, they are satisfied  and are ready for next year