After reaching the state volleyball final for the first time since 2014, Clearwater Central Catholic entered Sunday’s Class 3A title match in the unfamiliar role of underdog.
The Marauders were playing defending state finalist Miami Westminster Christian, which was not only undefeated but also had dropped just three sets all season and swept each of its last 19 matches.
That dominance was a big reason the Warriors were No. 1 in the class and state and No. 20 in the nation by Max Preps.
Westminster Christian was supposed to be too explosive, too talented, too much.
Too bad.
Clearwater Central Catholic did not listen. The Marauders believed – and won their first state title in eight years with a stunning 25-22, 25-23, 27-25, victory to end the Warriors perfect season.
Forget the rankings and the pristine record. CCC knew it had the talent to win. After all, three players – Lauren Cairo (Stetson), Brooke Green (Tampa) and Aliyah Waldon (Mercer) – all signed to play college indoor or beach volleyball earlier this week.
And the Marauders had confidence after getting through the toughest region in the class – and arguably the state. In the playoffs, CCC swept Berkeley Prep and Tampa Prep and beat Sarasota Cardinal Mooney and Ocala Trinity Catholc in four sets.
Plus, CCC could look on the experience of last year’s state champion, Calvary Christian, for inspiration.
Calvary Christian went on a similar path, getting through that same brutal region, then sweeping Westminster Christian in last year’s final.
That loss served as a powerful motivator for the Warriors, who waltzed through the regular season and the first four rounds of the postseason.
Then came Westminster Chrisian’s kryptonite – another Pinellas County opponent in the final.
The Marauders looked fearless. Josie Hensley operated the offense with efficiency. Myah Typrowicz kept plays alive with digs. And Green, Cairo Waldon and Taylor Bedinghaus all made stellar plays, too.
In the first two sets, CCC took control early en route to wins. In the deciding third set, the Marauders came back from a 23-18 deficit to win 27-25.
Afterward, the players rushed the court for a title that was earned.
Pinellas County State Volleyball Titles
Clearwater Central Catholic added to its championship haul, winning its fourth state title. Here is how the Marauders stack up with the other five Pinellas County schools that have won titles.
| School | Year(s) won title |
| Calvary Christian | 2021 |
| Clearwater | 1997, 2000 |
| Clearwater Central Catholic | 1981, 1985, 2014, 2022 |
| East Lake | 2010, 2011 |
| Shorecrest | 2018 |
| Tarpon Springs | 1991 |
