The Dublin Gaels Boys Volleyball team has officially concluded a remarkable 2026 campaign, finishing as one of the elite programs in the North Coast Section. After a dominant regular season where the Gaels secured 2nd place in the EBAL (East Bay Athletic League), the team earned the #3 seed in the NCS Division 1 Championship bracket.

Postseason Highlights

The Gaels opened their playoff journey with a convincing 3-0 sweep against Washington (Fremont) in the first round, winning tight sets of 27-25, 25-20, and 25-23. The victory showcased the team’s composure under pressure and advanced them to the Quarterfinals.

A Heartbreaker in the Quarterfinals

In a highly anticipated Quarterfinal matchup on May 7th, the Gaels faced off against #6 ranked Liberty. What followed was an instant classic—a grueling five-set marathon that saw Dublin fight back from a 2-0 deficit:

• Set 1: 18-25 (Liberty)

• Set 2: 25-27 (Liberty)

• Set 3: 25-21 (Dublin)

• Set 4: 27-25 (Dublin)

• Set 5: 18-20 (Liberty)

Despite a heroic effort to force a fifth set and pushing the tiebreaker well past the standard 15 points, the Gaels ultimately fell 20-18 in the final frame.

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Season Reflection

While the loss was a tough end to the journey, the Gaels’ season was defined by grit and excellence. Finishing as the runner-up in the powerhouse EBAL and maintaining a top-3 ranking in Division 1 has solidified Dublin’s reputation as a premier volleyball program in Northern California.

Congratulations to all the players and coaching staff on a season to remember! Go Gaels!