By Bobby Narang
The 2025-2026 IHSA season is coming to a close in a few weeks.
The spring season is wrapping up with playoffs in several sports over the next two-plus weeks, with the girls track season the first to end after this weekend’s state meet at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston.
The season has been filled with ups and downs, and many more memories will be created over the next two-plus weeks. Barrington closed out the regular season with an undefeated record in softball. The Fillies became the first Mid-Suburban League team since 1986 to post an undefeated regular season record.
The Fillies, under legendary coach Perry Peterson, are aiming to end the season with a “W” after losing to Oswego in the Class 4A State championship game last season. The Fillies (32-0) returned six starters from last season’s team, most notably junior ace pitcher Katie Taraschewsky.
But Peterson is the foundation of the program, with 12 of the program’s 13 State trips under his direction. Barrington has finished in second place three times in his tenure, seeking to win the final game of the playoffs for the first time in his illustrious career.
In total, the affable Peterson has won 1,038 games, including 1,020 at Barrington to rank third in the state for most victories at one school. Peterson has led the program for 34 years
In girls soccer, Naperville Central is the favorite to claim the Class 3A State crown. The Redhawks (17-0-1) closed out the regular season by outscoring their last four opponents by a 28-0 margin, including an 8-0 win over Waubonsie Valley in the final game.
Look for St. Charles East to make a run at the State title behind super sophomore Mya Leon, who has 78 goals in 51 career games. The forward has scored 44 goals and dished out 13 assists this season to lead the Saints (18-0-5) to an undefeated record and the DuKane Conference title.
In baseball, Lincoln-Way East, Huntley, and Lockport all had strong regular seasons and are expected to contend for the 4A title.