Bucs claim first-ever state championship title with five-set win over Tigers

Danny Federico editor@riverbendnews.org Branford High School made history on Wednesday, Nov. 5, by securing the program’s first Rural Class State Championship title following an intense 3-2 win over the Chipley Tigers. The Buccaneers entered the competition, held at Polk State College’s Winter Haven Health Center gym, with a 23-4 record, while the Tigers had a 24-6 record. The Tigers set the tone for the game early in the first set by jumping to a 5-2 lead. However, the Branford girls refused to let their determination falter. A kill from eighth-grader Lalyn Sikes (No. 7) turned the tide by tying the set at 7-7, and senior Adriauna Combs (No. 4) helped propel the team to a 12-8 l