Xavier girls open quest for title No. 9

CEDAR RAPIDS - The quest for a ninth straight state soccer title for the Cedar Rapids Xavier girls' soccer program began last night with a 2-0 victory over Grinnell in a Class 2A regional semifinal at Xavier.

Armed with a No. 3 ranking in 2A and an 8-7 record in a largely 3A conference, the Saints will play host Pella at 5 p.m. Monday for a berth in the state tournament.

'Today was an exciting day, because it was our first time playing a 2A team,” Xavier Coach Bailey Winter said. 'We got beat up all season playing a lot of 3A teams in the top 10. It's hard. But that's why we do it. It was nice to get some goals in, get a shutout.”

All-district selection and senior captain Marissa Berutti gave Xavier a 1-0 lead in the 12th minute, sticking one over the head of Tiger goalkeeper Taylar Smith from 25 meters out.

Sophomore defender Brylee Bastian widened the gap with a tap-in at the 33rd minute. Bastian danced around Smith to get the goal, and Xavier was able to hold off any Tiger scoring chances.

The Saints had opportunities to add to their lead, but a handful of wide shots and misplaced balls kept Grinnell within reach. Xavier's defense and goalkeeping by veteran netminder Holly Hazelton kept the Tigers at bay.

'Our biggest challenge is putting the ball in the back of the net,” Winter said. 'We're very happy with our defense at this point. We're trying to find the girls that are willing to put that ball in the back of the net.”

Xavier has just four seniors, so while players like Berutti and Hazelton are able to provide their leadership and guidance in navigating the tournament trail, there could be some kinks to work out en route to championship No. 9.

'Our upperclassman have been here; they're used to it,” Winters said. 'The upperclassmen have been here, done that. The younger kids can take a seat and follow. It would be harder if we didn't have that experience.”

Still, the pieces are there, and having the benefit of playing the regular season against 3A teams in the Mississippi Valley Conference can't be stressed enough. Though some of the stars from last year's team have left, the Saints think they still have the makings of being the best team in the state.

'We're focused on playing as a team,” junior captain Elizabeth Bailey said. 'We lost a lot of players last year. It's a brand new team, brand new chemistry. We're trying to get through game by game.

'We are ready. We're really excited for the postseason.”

l Comments: ben.ross@thegazettecompany.com