Xavier sweeps its way to state with Class 1A regional victory over Pella Christian

CEDAR RAPIDS — Gemma Younadam is the emotional leader for the Cedar Rapids Xavier girls tennis team.

Emotions of a different kind came out for the junior moments after the Saints rolled past Pella Christian, 5-0, in a Class 1A regional final that took all of 40 minutes to complete on Saturday morning at Xavier.

"She's loud," said Xavier Coach Matt Foxhoven. "Her energy carries court to court."

Last spring the "loud" of which Foxhoven spoke was limited to cheering from the sidelines. Younadam underwent an appendectomy during the season. She returned for postseason play only to suffer some setbacks that kept her out of both the state doubles and team tournaments.

"It was tough. Honestly, I was shocked that I had even qualified," she said, choking back some tears. "The surgery … it was a very big mental thing for me.

"I'm glad I got to experience winning with my teammates," continued Younadam. "As much as I was devastated, I was so happy to see (the others) succeed."

Younadam, who defeated Pella Christian's Lexi Branderhorst, 6-0, 6-0,

on Saturday, did not return to the court until late June, wanting to ease back in to playing. She said the condensed new fall schedule was not a problem and she is ready to go for state.

Despite the Xavier dominance on Saturday, Foxhoven felt his team was coasting a bit when team play opened last week.

"I felt like we were just a little content in our play last week," he said. "I kind of challenged them on Monday and Tuesday. I got on them a little bit and they played today like they wanted to make a statement."

In other regional final action on Saturday. No. 2 Decorah also advanced to state, downing visiting Dubuque Wahlert, 5-1. In Class 2A, No. 5 Iowa City West won at home, topping Cedar Rapids Washington, 5-3. Linn-Mar traveled to Pleasant Valley and fell to the No. 8 Spartans, 5-4.

State tournament play is set for Oct. 6-7. Pella High School will host the 1A meet with 2A play being held at Waukee Northwest.

Xavier 5, Pella Christian 0

Gabi Fleming (X) def. Ava Breems, 6-0, 6

Tia Halibi (X) def. Tinley Gibson, 6-0, 6-0

Gemma Younadam (X) def. Lexi Branderhorst, 6-0, 6-0

Lulu Rozeboom (X) def. Chloe Nikkel, 6-0, 6-0

Gemma Zeckser (X) vs. Kate Braafhart, DNF

Kelsey Weiss (X) def. Elsa Breems, 6-0, 6-1