Another determined team in another state title match led by a successful coach.

Except it didn't look like the same coach at all.

Logan Barber was in a suit and tie instead of his customary jeans and polo.

"They make me suit up because we're hosting," Barber said.

"Not my preferred style of clothing."

The suit seemed to be working as Cardinal Gibbons won its third consecutive N.C. High School Athletic Association 3A title, beating North Iredell 3-0 (25-19, 25-20, 25-21).

Barber said the suit, which was met by a chorus of laughter from his players, would not become every-game attire despite its success.

"If we get here next year, they'll get to see it again. I think that's what they play hardest for," Barber added.

It's the second consecutive year the Crusaders defeated North Iredell in the final.

It's also the second straight championship for Barber in his two years. He took over for Jim Freeman, who is now the coach at Barton College.

The coaching shift brought a transition of styles, but a similar result.

"It definitely changed the tone of our team, but it's just two different styles," senior Madison Bugg said.

Bugg described Freeman's style as methodical and regimented compared to Barber's loose and comfortable.

Bugg and her fellow seniors won a state title under Freeman and now two under Barber.

Bugg, a Stanford recruit, won most valuable player for the third consecutive year.

She led Cardinal Gibbons with 11 kills and 13 digs.

The first two games mirrored each other.

The Crusaders (22-3) grabbed an early advantage and held on.

"We knew what we were up against.

"(Cardinal Gibbons) was mixing up its offense a lot, and when you shut one part of it down, they would change it up and we didn't seem to adjust quick enough," Raiders coach Natalie Tribble said.

Cardinal Gibbons captured the first two sets 25-19 and 25-20.

The third set was closer. North Iredell (29-1) led 19-18.

"We had to be more patient than the other sets," said Gibbons setter Victoria Phillips.

"We had to do some tricks to get around the blocks and once we did we took over possession."

The Crusaders rallied to a 20-20 tie and closed with a 5-1 run.

It was the first loss of the year for the Raiders of North Iredell. "You can never really find a group of kids that are driven. These kids wanted this more than anything.

"I couldn't give them a better gift to send them off as seniors," Barber said.