For the second year in a row, the Xavier Saints volleyball team is taking a trip to state. After finishing third, the highest at state in school history, the Saints look to break that record one more time.

The Saints defeated Mount Pleasant in the regional semi-final on Tuesday, October 24. They also beat Fort Madison in the regional final on Monday, October 30 to secure a spot at the state tournament.

“The level of play at the state tournament is a lot more intense and fun because everyone is playing well by that point in the season,” junior Emily Jasper said.

The state tournament takes place at the U.S. Cellular Center in Cedar Rapids.

“I’m most looking forward to just being in the environment at state because it is something you only get to experience a few times and it is such a unique feeling,” senior Rachel Sodawasser said.

Although the Saints finished well last year, the team has their goals set just a little higher for this year.

“This year at state will be different because we are expected to do better, so I think there will be a little more pressure with that,” Jasper said.

Xavier played eighth ranked Independence on Tuesday, November 7 in the state quarter-final game. The semi-final game will be played today, Thursday, November 9 at noon and the championship game will be played at the same time tomorrow, Friday, November 10.

Caitlin Kramer 

Sports Editor