For the Lady Gaels Varsity volleyball team, Thursday, October 6’s upcoming match against Foothill is the most important league game of the season.

Earlier this season, Dublin beat first-ranked Foothill in during their fifth match at home. Falcons’ volleyball won an NCS last  fall, making the loss of their first league game a testament to the Lady Gael’s skill.  

So far this year, Dublin has won a league record of 16-1 games. This accomplishment is made more impressive by the fact that it’s  their first year playing D1 high school volleyball in the East Bay Athletic League (EBAL). Dubbed “The New Kids in EBAL”, they’re out to make a name for themselves.

When asked about their team’s success, seniors Hailey Bruce and Ashley Hedt, both returning varsity players responded that , “I think the team is special because of the chemistry within the team on and off the court.” Both girls believe their success is due not only to the fact the team is more experienced but also “having fresh competition [in the EBAL] motivates us to perform our best.”

Amy Lopez, head of the DHS volleyball program and varsity team, believes this year’s group of girls is different to previous years because, “this crew has played together for so long, they really know each other well and can trust each other on the court.”

EBAL  is one of the most competitive leagues in the country, and even though it’s Dublin’s first year being apart of it, their varsity team already has a list of prospects intending on playing at the collegiate level. Volleyball is a fast-paced game that requires focus, on-court talking, and scrappy play. Balls can move up to 35 mph, while being hit with extreme accuracy.

In addition to their impressive winning streak, the Dublin Lady Gaels are also captivating to watch at games. The players’ positive energy infects the crowd until their cheering section is overflowing with DHS Spirit.  As each the season progresses, the Lady Gaels’ cheering section seems grow louder and larger each week, as more students, teachers, and other members of the community come to see what the fuss is all about. The Lady Gaels’s season is in fact so impressive that they’ve garnered the attention of local news stations.  

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What the Lady Gaels have done this season is transition volleyball from a side sport that got overlooked by football, into a game that students and Dublin High look forward to attending every week. Dublin High volleyball has turned into a community melting pot, providing a space for students, staff and the rest of the community to enjoy their time together outside of school hours.

Want to be apart of Dublin volleyball’s 2016 season?

Come support & the Lady Gaels battle the Falcons and Foothill high school: Frosh at 4:00pm, JV at 5:00pm and Varsity at 6:30pm.

Go Gaels!