Caledonia headed to 4A State Championship after knocking off New Albany 3-2

Check out photos from the match and hear from senior Emily Clark

Author:
Tyler Cleveland, SBLive
Publish date:
Oct 19, 2022 12:07 PM EDT

NEW ALBANY — Caledonia will play for a 4A State Championship after knocking off New Hope 3-2 after a dramatic win in the decisive fifth set Monday night.

The Cavaliers (22-8) overcame an early deficit after dropping the first set 25-17. Caledonia rallied for a 25-23 win in the second set, then took the third 25-18.

New Albany (21-11) forced a fifth set with a 25-19 win in the fourth, but Caledonia dominated the final 15-point set, winning 15-6.

"We just played with mental toughness," Caledonia coach Samantha Brooks said. "That was our goal all season — to be mentally tough — and I think it showed tonight."

Caledonia will face 4A South State Champion Pass Christian in the championship game at 3 p.m. Thursday at the Newell-Grissom Building on the campus of Mississippi State University in Starkville.

The Pirates (18-13) defeated Purvis 3-0 Monday night to advance.

Photos by Austin Frayser