Move up in class doesn’t faze Cedar Rapids Xavier

The way Brian Erbe sees it, good softball is good softball, regardless of class.So when Cedar Rapids Xavier moved up to Class 4A this year, Erbe didn't flinch.“It's not a big deal at all,” said Erbe, the Saints' coach. “Our preparation doesn't change. There were good teams in 3A. There are good teams in 4A.”Regionals resume today with the semifinal round in all four classes. Among the teams in action are the four Metro squads in 4A Region 6.Tenth-ranked Xavier hosts Cedar Rapids Kennedy while No. 3 Jefferson hosts Cedar Rapids Prairie. Both games start at 7 p.m., with the winners playing for a state-tournament berth Wednesday at Jefferson.“I was surprised when they put the six Metro teams into one region,” Erbe said. “I talked to (Jefferson Coach) Larry (Niemeyer), and we were sure they would split us up.”The Saints were 3A state qualifiers four straight years from 2004 through 2007 as a 3A school. They're trying to make it for the first time in 4A.“We lost three or four games we shouldn't have, but it's been another good season,” Erbe said.Twenty-five Gazette-area teams are still alive, headed by Clear Creek Amana.The 3A top-ranked Clippers (40-0) host Vinton-Shellsburg.Among other area rated teams, 3A No. 12 Mount Vernon hosts Independence, 2A No. 12 Iowa City Regina faces Northeast at Solon, and 2A No. 14 Alburnett tangles with Dyersville Beckman at Delhi.Regional finals are Wednesday in all classes, with winners advancing to state next week at Fort Dodge.