St. Xavier Volleyball Caps Historic 2025 Season with GCL Title and Final Four Run
St. Xavier Volleyball entered the 2025 season with high expectations—and delivered in a big way. Building off the momentum of a 2024 state championship, the Bombers returned as one of Ohio's most talented and experienced teams. They didn't disappoint, finishing the year 23–3 overall, earning the 2025 Greater Catholic League (GCL) Championship, and making a deep run to the OHSAA State Semifinals.
Fast Start and Early Statement Wins
The season opened on March 14 with a high-energy, four-set victory over out-of-state rival St. Xavier (KY), followed by a commanding sweep of La Salle High School to begin GCL play. A successful early-season road trip saw St. Xavier notch straight-set wins over Olentangy Berlin, Stow-Munroe Falls, and Olentangy Liberty, solidifying their standing as one of the state's top teams.
Midseason Resilience and Tournament Glory
After a tough four-set loss on the road at Elder High School—their only GCL defeat—the Bombers bounced back with a resounding win streak. Highlights included:
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A dominant 3–0 sweep over Moeller at home in front of a packed "Blue Out" crowd
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Wins against Mount Vernon, Archbishop McNicholas, and Roger Bacon
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A crucial road sweep of La Salle, cementing their control of the league standings
The signature moment of the regular season came on April 12, when St. Xavier claimed the Centerville Elite Tournament title in spectacular fashion. The Bombers swept Hilliard Darby, Moeller, and Elder—all top-ranked programs in the state—without dropping a single set. The performance showcased their depth, discipline, and dominance on the court.
Finishing Strong and Eyeing the Title
Heading into May, St. Xavier was firing on all cylinders. They earned additional victories over Thomas Worthington, Hilliard Davidson, and Sycamore, closing the regular season with a 19–2 record and securing the No. 1 seed in the 2025 OHSAA State Tournament.
In postseason play, the Bombers swept Hamilton, Fairfield, and Lakota East before taking down Elder (3–1) in a high-stakes regional final at Mason Middle School. That win punched their ticket to the State Semifinals, setting up a clash with Cleveland St. Ignatius—a matchup worthy of a title game.
In a back-and-forth five-set thriller at Wittenberg University, the Bombers came up just short, falling 2–3 to the eventual 2025 State Champions, ending their championship defense one match shy of a repeat.
Standouts and Honors
This season was marked by both team success and individual brilliance:
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Joe Taggart ('26) earned both GCL Player of the Year and Region 4 Player of the Year, anchoring the team with standout performances across all rotations.
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Senior Cam Evans ('25) capped off his high school career with selections to the GCL First Team and Region First Team.
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Luke Source ('25) added strength to the Bombers' lineup and earned Second Team honors in both GCL and Region 4 voting.
A Legacy Secured
The loss in the semifinals couldn't overshadow what this senior class accomplished. Over the past two seasons, St. Xavier compiled a remarkable 50–4 record, won back-to-back GCL titles, and claimed the 2024 OHSAA State Championship. Their contributions cemented the Bombers' legacy as one of the most successful and consistent programs in Ohio volleyball history.
Final Record & Season Summary
