Dr. Joaquín García secured their fourth district volleyball title with a comeback victory over Wellington at Wellington’s gymnasium on Thursday night. The Bulldogs, who lost to Wellington 3-1 earlier in the season, flipped the script to claim the championship in their new classification.
The win capped a season that began with uncertainty, as head coach Erica Green had intended to hand over leadership to a successor. A combination of scheduling conflicts and a desire to finish her coaching career alongside her senior players brought Green back to lead the team through 2026. Despite a 15-11 record, the Bulldogs found their rhythm late in the season.
“We have a lot of seniors on the team this year,” Green said. “Seven girls, and one of them is a manager this year, so six players, and you know, I think they kind of rallied around them. They weren’t ready for the season to end.”
Sophomore Daniela Leite led the offense with 15 kills, hitting at a .385 percentage and contributing 23 assists. Her younger sister, freshman Joslyn Leite, added 12 kills, providing a strong offensive presence on the opposite side of the net. The Bulldogs’ defense was anchored by Shadiyah Joseph, who recorded five blocks, and Sophia Hagerty, who tallied 18 digs. Green praised Hagerty as one of the county’s most underrated players.
“I have coaches come up to me non-stop telling me what a phenomenal player she is,” Green said of Hagerty. “Our defense has kept us in matches so many times this season.”
The playoffs demanded quick adjustments. The older Leite sister transitioned from hitter to setter this season but had to share duties as the team dealt with illnesses and injuries among their regular setters. Teagan Hill, a junior varsity player, stepped up to fill the setter role for the district championship and responded with 14 assists.
“From JV a week ago to varsity game in a district championship, she kept her composure,” Green noted.
The Bulldogs were not widely expected to contend in their larger classification, with a season that featured inconsistency. Yet their late-season surge, including a five-game winning streak heading into regional playoffs, showed resilience.
Green confirmed this will be her final season coaching, making the postseason run a meaningful farewell.
“We flew low this year,” she said. “We weren’t really talked about. Our record didn’t really stand out. But, you know, it’s not how you start. It’s how you finish.”
Dr. Joaquín García’s victory over Wellington completes a district title run spanning three different classifications and marks their fourth title in as many attempts. The Bulldogs will advance to regional playoffs with momentum on their side.
According to Yahoo Sports.
