Dublin Boys Volleyball Advances to NCS Quarterfinals at Amador Valley on Thursday

The Dublin High Varsity Boys Volleyball team pulled off a dramatic come-from-behind 5-set victory on the road at Bishop O’Dowd in its 1st Round North Coast Section Division 1 playoff game on Tuesday night. Despite being the higher seed coming into the tournament as the 6th seed, Dublin had to travel to play the match on the 11th-seeded Bishop O’Dowd’s home court as they were league champions.

After winning the opening set 25-22, the Gaels struggled mightily in sets 2 and 3, dropping them 11-25 and 17-25. In the 3rd set alone, Dublin committed 7 service errors and had numerous other mistakes as the Dragons took control of the match. Dublin bounced back in resounding fashion in the 4th set 25-13, setting the table for a 5th set that would decide the match.

The Gaels jumped out early to take control and led throughout much of the 5th set. After leading 13-9 late, the Gaels withstood a late Bishop O’Dowd rally to hold on to win the decisive set 15-13.

Dublin will now advance to the NCS Quarterfinals for the 3rd time in 4 years, and will be facing a familiar opponent in #3 seed Amador Valley. The match is scheduled for Thursday, Ma 8th at 7:00.

The Gaels and Dons split their two encounters this season, with Dublin winning 3-2 on March 13th and Amador Valley coming out on top 3-1 on March 27th. These two squads also met in the 2023 NCS Semifinals, with the Dons getting past the Gaels to advance to the NCS Championship game.

In the other half of the bracket, the #15 seed Las Lomas shocked #2 seed Foothill, and will travel to face #7 San Ramon Valley. Since Dublin is higher seeded than both teams, if Dublin were to defeat Amador Valley it would be guaranteed a home match on May 13th. The NCS Semifinal would take place in the Auxiliary (old) Gym, as the Sports Complex is unavailable due to AP testing.