October 25, 2012 Sports 15

Recognized Athletes at XavierMatt Junge: Golf Kayla Torson: Volleyball Cal Stovie: Football

Year at Xavier Junior Sophomore SeniorStation/Paper nominated for

KCRG Athlete of the Week KCRG Athlete of the WeekDes Moines Register Shining Star

What is Your Role on the Team?

How did it feel to be nominated as a contender for

the award?

“I am an outside hitter and I play all-around, which means I play back-row and front-row and I never come out of the game.”

“It felt really cool to be selected, especially because I am a sophomore. It is a great feeling knowing that people recognize your talents and support you in what you do.”

“Their are six varsity golfers for meets and only the top four scores count. Ben Sagers and I rotated between number one and number two on the team this year.”

“I was very privileged to be a finalist for the award amongst all of the other great athletes in the area.”

“I played runningback until I tore my ACL. Now I help the team out by coaching the new running backs so they are prepared.”

“It was an honor to be recognized, but I have to give all the credit to my teammates.”

Alex FoxSports Writer

Volleyball team on pathway for state titleThe Saints finished the

regular season strong with two more MVC match victories. The Saints took on the Prairie Hawks at Prairie High School on Tuesday, October 9. With senior Sarah Homan getting 44 assists and sophomore Kayla Torsen collecting 20 kills, they came out with a victory over the Hawks. The final set scores were 25-23, 25-19, and 33-31.

On Saturday, October 13, the Saints participated in the MVS Tournament at Cedar Rapids Kennedy High School. They went 2-1 in pool play beating Washington and Jefferson, and losing to Kennedy. The Saints advanced to bracket play later in the day and competed against Cedar Falls in the quarterfinals. The saints fought a hard match, but Cedar Falls came out with the victory.

On Tuesday, October 16, the Saints were recognized at Senior Night. They hosted 13th ranked Dubuque Wahlert. There were nine Xavier seniors recognized for their achievements, and also for their future plans. The Saints won in five games with

scores 27-25, 22-25, 28-26, 21-25, and 15-9. Senior Melissa Everett and senior Audrey Richards both had nine kills during the match. “It was a great feeling to have a win on senior night. After finishing our regular season on a positive note, we are all really excited for the road to state,” senior Kelsey Boyer said.

After beating the Golden Eagles, the Saints raised their overall season record to 24-11. They were 6-0 in Valley Division matches and finished as the Valley Division Champions. “Since our conference is a 5A dominance conference, we face big schools and tough competition all the time. Dropping down to 4A does not mean that the teams are going to be easier, but competition is not as tough,” Coach Sullivan said. The Saints had a bye in the first round of playoffs and play again tonight, Thursday, October 25, at home. If the Saints win, they will advance to the regional-final on October 31.

Lizzy McWhinneySports Writer

Above: Seniors Melissa Evertt and Audrey Richards, and sophomore Kayla Torson get ready for the next service. Meghan Gerke Photo Below: The volleyball team seniors pose with their pillows after senior night. Mrs. Sullivan Photo

The Saints volleyball team huddles together to discuss their next move at Breast Cancer Awareness Night at Xavier.Meghan Gerke Photo

KCRG Athlete of the Week