The third time was indeed the charm for the Branford volleyball team.

Two years ago, Branford lost to Baker in its first-ever state championship game appearance, and last year the Bucs returned to the title game, where they were swept by Liberty County (Bristol).

On Wednesday at Polk State College in Winter Haven, the top-ranked Bucs defeated No. 2 Chipley 25-13, 11-25, 25-14, 19-25, 15-9 to win the FHSAA Rural state championship.

Not only was it the first state title in program history, after three straight championship game appearances, but it was also the first state championship of any kind for Branford High School athletics.

“The feeling is indescribable,” said first-year head coach Lachelle Sikes, the daughter of former head coach and current assistant head coach Mendy Sikes, who took the Bucs to the previous two state title games. “I can’t find the words to explain how proud I am for these girls and how happy I am for them.”

Branford (24-4), which swept Williston in Tuesday’s state semifinals, easily won the first set, 25-13, to take a 1-0 lead.

However, Chipley (24-7), which was also seeking its first state title in program history, dominated the second set, 25-11, to even the match at 1-1.

It was a see-saw affair as the Bucs won the third set, 25-14, and led 15-8 in the fourth set before Chipley rallied for a 25-19 victory, followed by a 15-9 Bucs’ win in the decisive fifth set.

“The key to winning today was just maintaining a level head and keeping their emotions in check,” Lachele Sikes said. “When they kept the game calm, then we played how we knew we could.”

Three Branford players had double-digit kills, led by eighth grader Lalyn Sikes, who is the daughter of Mendy and the younger sister of Lachelle. Sikes (team-high 25 digs) had 15 kills, followed by junior Anabella Dicks (12 kills, 11 digs), and senior Adriauna Combs (11 kills).

Senior Alaina Finch (20 digs) led Chipley with 23 kills.

Branford, which defeated Union County (Lake Butler) on Oct. 28 to win its third straight regional title, finished the season with a 9-game winning streak.