Metro Sports Report

Xavier beats weather, CCA for state berth

Not even Mother Nature could knock the Xavier boys soccer team off its game in Saturday’s Class 2A substate final.

“Our goal every game was to come out and get the early goal, because that  really boosts our confidence,” senior co-captain Eli Smith said after Xavier’s 5-0 home win over Clear Creek-Amana.

Playing on a sodden pitch under a steady rain that intensified in the second half, Xavier got that goal in just the third minute as co-captain Isaac Frisch converted on Smith’s assist.

Struggling Kernels drop 4th in row

Jake Mauer is not the type of manager who likes to yell and scream at his players, but he might have a few stern words for the Kernels when they report for duty Sunday morning.

Cedar Rapids committed three errors Saturday night and lost its fourth straight game, 6-3, before 2,581 fans on a chilly Fireworks Night at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

The Kernels compiled an 18-5 record in April, but the club is only 12-12 in May and not playing well lately.

Local players in pro baseball

SCOTT SCHEBLER (Prairie, Rancho Cucamonga (Dodgers)) - Started in left field Saturday and was 0-for-4 in the Quakes' 11-1 win over Visalia. Season stats: G - 40, Avg. - .265, AB - 147, H - 39, HR - 5, RBI - 22, SB - 5.

KELLEN SWEENEY (Jefferson, Lansing (Blue Jays)) - Started at first base Saturday and was 0-for-3 in the Lugnuts' 7-0 loss at South Bend. Season stats: G - 38, Avg. - .194, AB - 124, H - 24, HR - 3, RBI - 11, SB - 0.

RYAN SWEENEY (Xavier, Chicago Cubs) - Pinch hit and drew a walk Saturday in the Cubs' 5-2 loss to the Reds. Season stats: G - 15, Avg. - .346, AB - 26, H - 9, HR - 1, RBI - 2, SB - 0.

Anderson eyes 2A state tennis crown

Brady Anderson began banging a tennis ball around when he was about 7 years old. He's gotten pretty good at it over the years.

The Linn-Mar junior won both of his matches at the Class 2A state tournament Friday at the Veterans Memorial Tennis Center and will play in the semifinals Saturday at 10 a.m.

Anderson, the No.1 seed, will face No.4 seed David DiLeo of Iowa City West in a battle to see who makes the finals at 2 p.m.

Anderson clipped Andrew Ellis of Ames, 6-0, 7-5, in the first round and defeated Drew Hays of Waukee, 6-2, 6-1, in the quarterfinals.

"Overall I thought I played pretty well," said Anderson. "Hopefully I've saved my best for tomorrow."

Mitch Blades and Jackson Hoyt from Cedar Rapids Washington won both of their matches in straight sets Friday to reach the semifinals in Class 2A doubles.