“We couldn’t afford to fall two sets behind,” Glass said. “We didn’t let them get in our heads, and never stopped believing in each other.”

Wantagh (15-2) got off to another fast start in the third set, racing to an 11-3 lead behind the serving of Christina Ellul and strong defense at the net, but the Lady Cyclones fought back to pull out the most intense set of the day. The teams were deadlocked eight times, including at 22, when junior Casey Petrone and Kiernan scored consecutive blocks. Petrone’s ace ended it, leaving the Lady Warriors in unfamiliar territory, with their backs against the wall.

“Our confidence just kept growing,” Scalice said.

South Side (14-3), which eliminated Lynbrook and Long Beach on the way to the finals, gained control of the fourth set after Shabbir served six straight points to build an 18-11 cushion. Not even a 15-minute delay for a partial loss of power in the gym could stop the momentum, and Glass provided the finishing touch with a cross-court smash.

“I’m so proud of everyone,” Scalice said. “They played an incredible match.”