Host Clinton used a win at first doubles to break a 3-3 tie with visiting Camden to advance to Saturday’s AAA state tennis championship with a 4-3 win over the Bulldogs in the AAA Upper State championship match played Monday night.

The loss capped a 14-2 campaign for Col. Tim Webb’s squad. The Red Devils move on to meet Lower State champion Bishop England in Saturday’s state championship match at the Cayce Tennis Center.

With the match knotted at 3-3, the Red Devils’ first doubles tandem of Ike Waldron and Anders Orr outlasted Camden brothers Wilson and David Pope, 7-6 (10-4), 6-3 to send Clinton back for a return engagement with Bishop England in the finals. Last year, the Battling Bishops shut out Clinton, 6-0, for the title.

On Monday, the Bulldogs received a 6-3, 7-5 win from David Pope at second singles over Connor Donley. Mac Long delivered a second win for Camden as he swept past Hayden Minor, 6-4, 6-0, at fourth singles while the Dogs’ second doubles pairing of Brett Elliot and Josh Bowers breezed to a 6-1, 6-0 victory over Clinton’s Eli Brewer and Hayden Stinson.

Waldron gave Clinton a win at first singles as he downed Wilson Pope, 6-0, 6-0. Orr stopped Ben Battiata, 6-1, 6-2, at third singled while the Red Devils’ Brandon Campbell rallied after losing the first set to Wilson Nash, 6-1,  to win 6-2, (10 – 4).