Xavier girls’ tennis takes aim at another ‘triple crown’ Monday

Can they do it again?

The Cedar Rapids Xavier girls’ tennis team is two-thirds of the way to a second state "triple crown" in five months.

Last Thursday, junior Gabi Fleming became the ninth player in state history to win three state singles titles, rolling past Waterloo Columbus's Kate Holton in straight sets. Teammates Tia Halabi and Gemma Younadam took down Decorah's sister duo of Olivia and Grace Huinker to take the doubles crown.

Next on the horizon is the state team tournament where the Saints are an overwhelming favorite to defend that crown in a season that has been one of adjustment to a new norm.

"It's been a really big turnover," Younadam said o after the sport changed from the spring to the fall this year. "We didn't have as much team practice early in the year and we just jumped right into the season (in August). I think we had nine meets in like seven days, so it was just crazy."

The Saints open state team play Monday morning in Pella at 9 a.m. with a quarterfinal match-up with No. 8 Shenandoah.

Even though this has been a season of change, the Saints' postseason routine has not.

"We are approaching things pretty much the same as last year," said Xavier Coach Matt Foxhoven. "We (got) together over the weekend and hit a few times, getting some singles play for the girls that played doubles in the individual tournament and for Gabi and Lulu (Rozeboom) to get some doubles work.

"There is a bit of a shift in focus we have to make for the team duals, just making sure we are all playing our type of tennis and picking up our teammates while we are on the court."

As a part of the move to the fall, the state team tournament is now a two-day event. All quarterfinal and semifinal matches will be played on Monday with consolation and championship action on Tuesday.

"I really like the idea of a two-day event, " Foxhoven said. "I have always felt that the finals should have their own day, both teams should have the same amount of rest going in."

The Saints could end up playing No. 2 seed Decorah in the finals. The teams did not meet in the regular season. Both teams were at state last year. Decorah finished third, beating Carroll Kuemper in the consolation final

"We saw them play last year at team (state)," Younadam said. "I'd be excited if we got a chance to play them."

Foxhoven said his players have not shied away from the pressure of trying to repeat.

"As a team, we have kind of embraced the target this year,“ he said. "Last year we were coming off a second-place finish and felt like we had something to prove so this year is a little different feel, but the girls have done a good job of moving on to a new year knowing that we have the target on our backs."

The Class 2A tournament will be held at Waukee Northwest. Iowa City West is the No. 5 seed and will face No. 4 West Des Moines Dowling in the quarterfinals. Host Waukee Northwest is the top seed and, like Xavier, is a prohibitive favorite to defend the title it won last May.

State Team Tennis Schedule

CLASS 1A

Monday, Oct. 6

Quarterfinal Round

At Pella

No. 1 Xavier vs. No. 8 Shenandoah, 9 a.m.

No. 4 Dike-New Hartford vs. No. 5 Spencer, 9 a.m.

No. 3 Pella vs. No. 6 Boone, 9 a.m.

No. 2 Decorah vs. No. 7 Central DeWitt

Semifinal round

Xavier/Shenandoah winner vs. Dike-NH/Spencer winner, 1 p.m.

Pella/Boone winner vs. Decorah/Central DeWitt winner, 1 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 7

Final Round

Championship: Monday's semifinal winners, 9 a.m.

Consolation: Monday's semifinal losers, 9 a.m.

CLASS 2A

At Waukee Northwest

Monday, Oct. 6

Quarterfinal Round

No. 1 Waukee Northwest vs. No. 8 Clinton, 9 a.m.

No. 4 WDM Dowling vs. No. 5 IC West, 9 a.m.

No. 3 WDM Valley vs. No. 6 Pleasant Valley, 9 a.m.

No. 2 Johnston vs. No. 7 Cedar Falls, 9 a.m.

Semifinal round

Waukee NW/Clinton winner vs. WDM Dowling/IC West winner, 1 p.m.

WDM Valley/PV winner vs. Johnston/Cedar Falls winner, 1 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 7

Final Round

Championship: Monday's semifinal winners, 9 a.m.

Consolation: Monday's semifinal losers, 9 a.m.