Cedar Rapids Xavier wants a girls’ tennis state team title, but isn’t motivated by redemption

CEDAR RAPIDS — It would be a natural assumption to think the Cedar Rapids Xavier girls’ tennis team has been on a revenge mission of sorts this season.

After winning a Class 1A state title in 2021 and finishing second in 2022, the Saints were expected to once again be a part of the final four in 2023.

That dream was dashed when DeWitt Central upset them, 5-3, in the quarterfinals.

So the top-ranked Saints have extra motivation as this year's regional team competition begins on Friday, right?

That’s not the case according to Xavier Coach Matt Foxhoven.

“We have kind of put last year in the rear view,” he said. “With five new girls last year we knew we would have some growing pains. I think the girls handled it well and we came up just short in the first round.

“We don't really use it as motivation but more so as just a reminder that anything can happen.”

Xavier will host a regional quarterfinal Friday, beginning at 9 a.m. against Maquoketa. A win there would advance the Saints to a 1 p.m. semifinal match against the winner between Nevada and Davenport Assumption. Regional final play is set for next Tuesday at Xavier with the state quarterfinals on May 18 at a site to be determined.

The Saints bring a 14-0 dual record into the postseason, playing a schedule loaded with Class 2A foes. The final three wins were all 5-4 decisions over Dubuque Hempstead, Iowa City West and Iowa City Liberty. Freshman Gabi Fleming has established herself as the team's top singles player with senior Avery Link a strong No. 2.

“I think entering this postseason with more experience is going to allow this team to really show what we are capable of,” Link said. “The special thing about this team is that our motivation comes from each other and our desire to win for each other. We all have a common goal and work together to accomplish that.”

Foxhoven believes his team has the mental toughness needed to win a state title.

“I like our attitude as a team this year,” he said. “We know that things won't always be perfect and it's OK to have to battle through some things and I think that is one thing that took last year's postseason disappointment to figure out.

“You can't have a perfect game in tennis. You need to be willing to fight and battle and this year our team has done a good job of that.”

Regional team play also begins Friday in Class 2A with preliminary round matches.

In Region 3, No. 4 Iowa City Liberty received a bye and will host the winner of the Cedar Rapids Prairie-Cedar Rapids Washington match on Tuesday. No. 9 Linn-Mar also has a bye and will meet Friday's Marion-Cedar Rapids Kennedy winner in Clinton on Tuesday.

No. 9 Iowa City West also got a bye until Tuesday, hosting the winner of Friday's Ottumwa-Burlington match in Region 4.

Tuesday's regional semifinal matches begin at 9 a.m. with regional finals to follow. State quarterfinal matches will be at 10 a.m. on May 18 at home sites.

The state semifinals and finals are set for May 29 with 1A at Byrnes Park in Waterloo and 2A at Waukee Northwest High School.