Senior Saints wrap up volleyball season

CEDAR RAPIDS - During the journey of a high school athlete, reaching the final year of a competitive sport is a milestone and a bittersweet moment.

After enduring countless practices and excruciating losses, it is time to finally say goodbye. Players are willing to sacrifice whatever it takes in order to help create memories that will last a lifetime. For Xavier's five senior volleyball players, this last season together not only marked the end of the road but also acts as a testament to their commitment and true passion for the game.

'The five of us have been playing together since 8th grade year when we made our own team called the CR Attack,” senior Paige Janney said. 'We all have maintained a mutual respect for one another, and we will always be great friends.”

On Oct. 20, the Saints faced Linn-Mar on Senior Night. An inspired group of Xavier players was overmatched by the 10th-ranked Lions, ultimately getting swept, 3-0 (25-15, 25-23, 25-16). Although this season has not been a dream scenario, the senior class has helped the team to persevere through adversity and stay confident. The Saints closed the regular season with a losing record of 13-21 and lost in the regional semifinals to end the season.

Sophomore standout Ellie McDermott has been very appreciative of what this group of seniors has been able to contribute to the team.

'The seniors are always pushing us to do our best every rep to help make the entire team better,” McDermott said. 'They bring a certain energy to the team that we just wouldn't have without them.”

'I have enjoyed getting to know my teammates over the past few years,” Janney said. 'I have loved the van rides to tournaments and getting to improve my skills every single day.”

Coach Katie Bailey will have lots of young talent returning next year and the players look forward to working hard in the off-season to improve upon this year's losing record.