The Illinois High School Association softball state championships were Saturday, June 6 at the Louisville Slugger Sports Complex on the University of Illinois campus.
Here is a game-by-game look at each championship, updated as games finish:
Class 1A: Dakota 2, Waltonville 1
Following a state fourth-place finish last season, seventh-ranked Dakota won the program’s first-ever state championship thanks to some heads-up baserunning. The Indians benefited from Hailey Kerchner reaching on a base hit to left, then went all the way to third on a fielding error in the top of the seventh. She then scored the game-winning run on a throwing error.
Dakota (31-4) had trailed 1-0 until the sixth inning when Finley Banks tied the game. Her triple to left field scored Dawson Lawler, who had reached on an infield single.
No. 2 Waltonville (33-7) took an early one-run advantage when Elyssa Schoenbaechler doubled to left, bringing home Briley Williams. Williams’ two-out single started the rally.
Schoenbaechler took the loss, scattering four hits, walking two and striking out seven. AJ Howarth pitched an efficient four-hit gem with one strikeout and no walks on 81 pitches.
Class 2A: Seneca vs. Carterville
This game has not been completed.
Class 3A: Chatham Glenwood vs. Antioch
This game has not been completed.
Class 4A: Lincoln-Way West vs. Mundelein
This game has not been completed.
This story will be updated.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: 2026 IHSA softball championship scores: Illinois crowns 4 state champions
Reporting by Adam Duvall, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Adam Duvall, Peoria Journal Star | USA TODAY Network
