Celtics defeat Scots to set up state title clash

Trinity Catholic volleyball is one game away from a state championship after defeating Saint Andrews in the Class 2A semifinals on Monday. The No. 1 seed dropped the third set but closed out the match to secure a spot in the final on Tuesday at Polk State College in Winter Haven. The Celtics will face Northside Christian, which advanced by beating Westminster Christian in the other semifinal.

Trinity Catholic, ranked No. 9 in the state, improved its record to 25-5 with the victory. The team played in the Class 2A Region 1 final in Ocala on Oct. 27 before this matchup. Head coach Jeff Reavis has guided the Celtics to state titles in 2018 and 2020. The program seeks its third championship in school history.

Saint Andrews, the No. 4 seed from Boca Raton, finished the season with a 19-8 record. The Scots led the third set 25-22 before Trinity Catholic responded to win the fourth set 25-13. The first two sets ended 25-12 and 25-17 in favor of the Celtics. Northside Christian, the No. 2 seed and No. 15 ranked team in the state, improved to 27-5.

Northside Christian defeated Westminster Christian, the No. 3 seed, by scores of 26-28, 25-21, 25-16 and 25-20. The Mustangs will play for their state title on Nov. 4. The championship match is scheduled to take place at the same venue as the semifinals. Both teams have reached the final after winning their respective semifinal matches on Nov. 3.