Eyes on the prize
November 15, 2019
Only eight volleyball teams in each class get the chance to continue their season at the state tournament. For the fourth year in a row, the Xavier volleyball team will get this opportunity. After losing in the finals last year, the Saints have extra motivation to win a state championship.
“We do not want to settle for second place again,” junior Katy Garrison said. “Every game is a step toward our goal of a state championship.”
With many returning players, the Saints feel confident heading into the tournament.
“I am honestly not very nervous, I am just excited to be back at the tournament and play in such a fun atmosphere,” junior Jazmine Yamilkoski said.
Head Coach Austin Filer believes the team is getting healthy at the right time.
“This is the most talented team we have had at Xavier and there is no limit to what they can achieve,” Filer said. “We have returning players that have several years of experience at the state tournament. We are a seasoned team and we know what to expect.”
Although the Saints lost in the finals last season, their goal for this season would have been the same regardless of last year’s outcome.
“Every experience shapes you. We know what our goals are each season and we know how to achieve them,” Filer said.
The Saints have contributed a lot of their success to their work ethic in practice. “Everyone on the team pushes each other. We have had to overcome a lot of injuries as a team this year. I believe the biggest thing we need to do is stay mentally tough,” Yamilkoski said.
Not only have the players pushed each other to be better but the coaches have pushed them as well.
“The expectations the coaches have for everyone has made me want to be better,” junior Elyse Winter said. “They expect the best out of me, which is why I try my best to work hard every practice.”
As the season is coming to an end, senior Aubrey Jones wants her team to be remembered as the hardest working and most determined volleyball team Xavier has ever had.
“It would be awesome to win a state championship, but if we do not accomplish that, I still want to be known as the team that played with so much heart and gave it their all,” Jones said.
Filer said he is proud of the seniors but the season is not over yet.
“This is a dangerous team,” Filer said. “Everyone at the state tournament is fantastic but I would not trade this group for any of them.”
The Saints played in the state tournament against Western Dubuque on Tuesday, November 12. The winner of this game will advance to the semi-finals and play on Thursday, November 14 at 12 p.m. against the winner of North Scott and Marion.
