BEULAVILLE — Wallace Elementary checked all the boxes and enjoyed a little revenge during the 2026 Duplin County Middle School volleyball tournament.

The Bulldogs claimed the DCMS “double” — the regular-season and tournament titles — for the first time since 2021. They avenged losses against B.F. Grady and Warsaw in the semifinals and championship match, respectively.

Those two wins made victory even sweeter.

“[We] played together and were all heart today,” said Wallace head coach Mandy Henderson. “We talked about covering for each other, calling the ball for each other and I’m just really proud of them for their hard work.”

Top-seeded Wallace (15-2 overall) swept B.F. Grady, 2-0, in one semifinal match. Third-seeded Warsaw (11-6) turned back second-seeded Beulaville, 2-0, in the other semifinal.

The Bulldogs and Tigers battled through five ties in the opening set of the championship match.

Up 9-7, Wallace forged ahead 14-8 before Warsaw climbed to within 14-12. The Tigers got kills from Stea Gutierrez and Izamar Reyes, while Krisbelli Figueroa served two aces.

Brooklyn Straughn smashed three kills from the left pin during a 6-2 run that gave Wallace some breathing room. The Bulldogs eventually closed out the set, 25-18.

“They gave us fits,” Henderson said. “We split with them in the regular season. They’ve had a tremendous season and improved so much. Hat’s off to Warsaw.”

Wallace jumped in front, 8-0, in set two.

Warsaw climbed to within 11-7, but could get no closer.

The Bulldogs pulled away for the 25-18 win.

“Warsaw volleyball has come a long way because we have never been [conference] contenders,” Warsaw head coach Jasmine Robinson said. “We’ve either been at the bottom or second to last. We only won game last year and didn’t advance in the tournament.

“They have worked so much. I’m beyond proud. There’s nothing else they could have did. They are changing the standard of our school.”

2026 Duplin County Middle School Volleyball Tournament Tuesday’s games (at higher seeds) Quarterfinals

Wallace d. Chinquapin; BF Grady d. North Duplin

Beulaville d. Kenansville; Warsaw d. Rose Hill-Magnolia

Thursday’s games (at Beulaville Elementary Semifinals

Wallace d. BF Grady, 2-0; Warsaw d. Beulaville, 2-0

Championship

Wallace d. Warsaw, 2-0