Xavier shooting for another soccer title

CEDAR RAPIDS - Spring is often referred to as the season of new beginnings. This is the case for the Xavier girls' varsity soccer team.

Led by a new head coach, Beth Samek, the girls look to win a 10th state title. The Saints' official practices did not start until the week of March 23, but the players hit the gym to get in shape and for some preseason workouts.

The girls are led by seniors Lizzy Bailey, Katie Ives and Sydney Wright. With tons of experience, including two state championships for Bailey and Wright, the Saints look to reclaim the title.

The beginning of the season always is a difficult one because spring break falls right at the start of the season.

'It is difficult because our season starts and we are not in the mind-set and we are not fully in shape,” Wright said. 'The conditioning and getting in shape is required for the season and is necessary so we can preform at a high level.”

However, the difficulty of starting a season is made easier by the relationships and team camaraderie they will develop.

'One of the best parts of the season is being with the team, making friends and the team becoming a family by the end of the season,” Wright said.

Last year, the Saints ended the season with a record of 11-8-1. Ives, Bailey, and Wright were the leading goal scorers as juniors behind senior Marisa Berutti. Ives scored seven goals last season, Bailey six and Wright five. The assist total was three, two and two, respectively.

The Saints opened their season with a 4-0 loss at Dubuque Hempstead on Tuesday. They host Linn-Mar on Thursday.