Saints head to Class 1A State Tournament

The Cedar Rapids Xavier girls’ tennis team has earned a chance for a repeat performance.

For the second time in five months, the Saints will be sending their entire team to the Class 1A state singles and doubles tournament after sweeping the titles and runner-up slots at the rain-delayed regional tournament at Grinnell on Thursday.

"I'm happy for our program," said Xavier Coach Matt Foxhoven. "Two seasons in a row with all six qualifying. (We are) looking to keep it going with the team and state."

Play was halted on Wednesday, forcing the Saints to make a return trip to central Iowa. It didn't take long for the Saints to take care of business.

In singles, two-time defending state champion Gabi Fleming lost just one game on her way to the title. That game dropped came in her 6-1, 6-0 win over teammate Lulu Rozeboom. Rozeboom entered the regional as the No. 3 seed, but she dominated her semifinal match against No. 2 seed Stella Dvorak of Mount Vernon. Rozeboom cruised to a 6-1, 6-1 victory to secure her spot at state.

The doubles also was all Xavier. Top-seeded Tia Halabi and Gemma Younadam downed teammates Gemma Zeckser and Kelsey Weiss, 6-2, 6-0 in the final. As was the case for Rozeboom in singles, Zeckser and Weiss had to overcome the No. 2 seeded team of Katie Clark and Ella Seney from Grinnell in the semifinals. The Saints duo cruised to a 6-1, 6-1 triumph.

"Gabi was a heavy favorite and backed it up," Foxhoven said. "Really happy with how Lulu played these two days, she trusted her game and made a lot of (good plays).

“Tia Halabi and Gemma Younadam have played well together all year and we’re so steady through their four matches. They don’t get too worked up. They were great at the net all week.”

Foxhoven had some extra praise for Zeckser and Weiss, who were alternates on the spring state title team.

"Both (of them are) first time qualifiers and they didn’t let the nerves get to them," he said. "They played really solid tennis in their matches, made good balls and moved their opponents around."

Play at Decorah was also delayed to Thursday by weather. Decorah's top doubles team of Grace and Olivia Huinker captured the regional title, downing Dubuque Wahlert's Annie Elbert and Claire King, 6-0, 6-4 in the final. In singles, the Vikings' Kaitlyn Bjork also advanced to state, winning 7-5, 6-0 over Charles City's Sofia Alinea in the final.

The 1A state meet is set for Oct. 1-2 at the Hawkeye Tennis and Recreation Complex in Iowa City.