Tartans are Perfect in CIF-SS Championship Win Over San Clemente

St. Margaret's captured its second CIF-SS Championship in three years with a 3-0 (25-22, 25-22, 25-20) win over Southern California powerhouse San Clemente in the Div. III title bout at Cerritos College on Saturday.

Tartan outside hitter Reed Wainwright had 22 kills to lead St. Margaret's vaunted attack that proved too much for San Clemente. The Tartans had to work for the title, falling behind in the second set 20-16 before battling back with a 7-1 run and eventual set win at 25-22. The Third set proved difficult for St. Margaret's as well, with the Tritons jumping out to a 8-5 lead early. The Tartans clawed the lead back again, taking the third set 25-22 on a Luke Balint ace and Wainwright kill to complete the sweep. Beckett Harvey and Aidan McMahon supported in the win.

"This was a great team win today," said head coach Bob Yoder. "It took an all-around team effort to put pressure on San Clemente, and we played our best at the right time in the season."

The win marks the fourth CIF Championship in program history, with titles in 2001, 2010, and 2022. Both the Tartans and San Clemente will advance to the CIF State Div. II Regional Tournament with play beginning Tuesday, May 14. The 32-4 Tartans will travel to Santa Maria to face 28-8 St. Joseph in Round 1.