HIGH SCHOOL JOURNALISM: Saints have chip on their shoulder

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By Connor Collins, Xavier seniorCEDAR RAPIDS - After a 24-18 record in 2012 and a crushing, 18-3, loss to Clear Creek Amana in the regional final, the Xavier softball team has been grinding all off-season with a chip on its shoulder.“We have worked really hard in the off-season and have all nine returning starters, along with many underclassmen who will help contribute to the team's success,” senior Jenna Schulte said.New coach Nikki Price replaced coach Brian Erbe, who took the head coaching job at Jefferson High School. Price has been an assistant coach at Xavier for the past eight years.“She has earned the opportunity to direct the Xavier softball program," Xavier athletics director Mike Winker said. "I look forward to working with Nikki as she brings her own ideas to making our program even better.”The Saints are off to a 2-0 start.