After getting through one of the toughest regions in the state, Clearwater Central Catholic knew it had another challenge in its first state semifinal appearance since 2014.

The Marauders faced Ocala Trinity Catholic, a team they had lost to in four sets earlier this season.

The Celtics, who won two of the past four state volleyball titles in the class, had all the playoff prestige. They also were on a roll, winning 16 straight matches heading into Friday’s contest.

No matter.

CCC had rallied to beat Plant and Academy of the Holy Names in the regular season. In the playoffs, the Marauders remained successful, beating Berkeley Prep, Tampa Prep and Sarasota Cardinal Mooney to get to the final four.

The quality to beat quality programs gave CCC confidence to beat another.

The Marauders are now in the final after getting past Trinity Catholic in four sets (3-1).

This coming Friday, CCC will face Miami Westminster Christian in the final.