WAUKEE -- The Xavier boys began their Class 2A title defense at the Waukee Invitational with a win and a tie.

In their first game, the Saints faced host Waukee and played them very evenly in what Coach Amir Hadzic described as a back and forth game. Xavier was able to gain the upper hand early in the second half however, on a goal by Zach Smith and it held on for the 1-0 victory.

In their second game of the day, the Class 2A No. 1 Saints were facing a Class 3A No. 9 Bettendorf team that was playing its first game of the day.

The Bulldogs used those fresh legs to grab a 2-0 first half lead but the Saints made some adjustments at halftime and sent in some young players that were still pretty fresh. Those adjustments allowed the Saints to tie it up at 2-2 midway through the second half, and that is how it ended up.

First Game
Xavier 1, Waukee 0

Goals -- CRX: Zach Smith. Assists -- CRX: Tim Bouchard.

Second Game
Bettendorf 2, Xavier 2 (tie)

Goals -- Bett: Ryan Hamby 2; CRX: Isaac Frisch, Luke Neuhaus. Assists -- CRX: Tim Bouchard 2.