Bailey has high hopes for Saints

CEDAR RAPIDS - Xavier's volleyball team has had plenty of success the last couple of years, compiling seasons with 26 and 28 wins.

Heading into the a season, expectations are as high as ever with first-year head coach Katie Bailey patrolling the side lines. Bailey enjoyed a successful college career as a player, serving as a team captain and earning NAIA Champion of Character honors.

She also is no stranger to impacting games from the sidelines. She has coached club teams since 2011, helped with the summer camp 'High Performance” and even ran a volleyball league called 'My First Volleyball League.”

Bailey has plenty of returning veterans to help lead the team and its newcomers.

'I couldn't have walked into a better situation,” Bailey said. 'They are a really great group of hardworking girls with some tremendous talent.”

That talent includes returning seniors, outside hitters and defensive stoppers Madsy Richards and former KCRG Athlete of the Week Kayla Torson. Both will be spiking the ball off sets from senior Melanie Wertzberger and the other Saints setters.

'Coming off a district championship last year, hopes for this season are high,” Bailey said. 'We have a different mix of girls this season and a new coach, but another championship is definitely a reachable goal.

'We are currently ranked 10th (now ninth) and have a hunger to move up the list.”

The Saints are 2-1 in the Mississippi Valley Conference and 8-4 overall.