Mount Dora Christian Academy’s softball team has been a fixture at FHSAA state tournaments in recent years under head coach Josh Swearingen.
Swearingen, 44, coached the Bulldogs (20-9) for the final time Tuesday during an 8-3 loss vs. Jacksonville University Christian (18-2) in a Class 2A state semifinal at Legends Way Ball Fields in Clermont.
University Christian, tied as the No. 2 team in MaxPreps 2A rankings, jumped out to an 8-0 lead before MDCA scored three times in the bottom of the sixth inning. The Bulldogs entered the game ranked No. 4 in 2A.
Swearingen stated in an official FHSAA information form this week that he will return to Jacksonville with his family after the season, where he attended Ed White High School and the University of North Florida.