Everything you need to know on Stockton ahead of 2026 IHSA state volleyball tourney
Sixteen teams punched their ticket to the IHSA state volleyball tournament, including one from the Rockford area that is very familiar with how this all works. The Stockton girls volleyball team has reached the IHSA Class 1A state semifinals for the third year in a row, but they are hungry to get their first championship. More Rockford-area volleyball: Stockton KOs Rockford Christian, one step closer to 3rd straight state "It's hard not to think about," Stockton's Ireland Mensendike said of getting to state twice in a row, but not winning it yet. "But we're always just point by point, game by game, and we don't want to look ahead at all." Stockton took second the last two years after never making the state tournament before that. So, as it gets set to give it another try, let's break down everything you need to know about the Class 1A state volleyball tourney. What is it? It's the IHSA girls state volleyball tournament, with four classes, starting with the semifinals, and finishing with third-place matches and championship showdowns. When is it? 1A semifinal No. 1 at 9 a.m. Friday: Athens vs. Illini Bluffs 1A semifinal No. 2 at 10:30 a.m. Friday: Stockton