Saints sweep Little Hawks with two big wins at home

CEDAR RAPIDS — Four seniors stepped onto Bob Erusha Field last night for a special 'Senior Night' celebration at Xavier.

And there was plenty to celebrate as the Saints rolled Iowa City High, 13-1 and 14-4, in an MVC doubleheader.

Erin Drahozal, Kyle Oldridge, Claire Christianson, and Morgan Breitbach have played together for four years, giving them plenty of time to grow and bond.

'We know what the other person will do,' Christianson said.

'It's a lot of communication and a lot of energy to keep everyone going,' Breitbach said. 'It's a lot of chemistry between us, and the team draws on that.'

It was tough for them to think about next year when they will be separated at four different colleges.

'It'll be weird not seeing my friends every day of the summer,' Christianson said.

Drahozal is continuing with softball at Upper Iowa University. She said it will be different to not be at Xavier's field or seeing her friends every day next year.

'I'll miss their overall excitement and their work ethic,' Coach Nikki Price said. 'Their work ethic is huge. They lead in different ways.'

On Thursday it was the underclassmen that put up the big stats, however.

Xavier sophomore Hannah Helms was 3-for-3 at the plate with three RBI in the opener, and eighth-grader Keera Ball was 3-for-4 in the second game.

City High sophomore Ellie Dixon had a double in the opener and was 2-for-3 with a double in the second game. Sophomore Paige Kuepker had a home run and two RBI in the second game.