Matt Le Cren – Page 7

Naperville Central’s Jermaine Kenady is unfazed by the bright lights of playoffs. Even if they get in the way.

June 4, 2026 at 9:42 a.m.

Jermaine Kenady bounces back from a miscue to make key plays as Naperville Central wins a sectional semifinal for the first time since 2012.

Sophomore forwards Natalie Liesch, left, and Paige Connelly show off the hardware after Naperville Central's 5-1 win over Wheaton Warrenville South in the Class 3A St. Charles North Supersectional on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. (Matt Le Cren / Naperville Sun)

Natalie Liesch and Paige Connelly create offense. And history. After 31 years, Naperville Central’s state-bound.

June 3, 2026 at 9:37 a.m.

Natalie Liesch and Paige Connelly each scores as Naperville Central wins a Class 3A supersectional to reach the state semifinals for the first time since 1995.

Lemont's Claire Podrebarac (7) looks to the dugout and celebrates her hit against Fenwick during a Class 3A Benedictine Supersectional game in Lisle on Monday, June 1, 2026. (Steve Johnston / Daily Southtown)

Lemont’s Claire Podrebarac continues hit parade in marathon supersectional game. ‘Took one inning at a time.’

June 2, 2026 at 12:48 a.m.

Claire Podrebarac gets three hits in first three at-bats but Lemont drops 4-3 supersectional decision in 12 innings to Fenwick.

In rare start, Christian Bartels borrows a bat. Result is Naperville Central’s 1st regional title since 2015.

May 30, 2026 at 5:30 p.m.

Christian Bartels gets two hits and scores the only run as Naperville Central edges rival Naperville North.

Emily Tilton’s only one reason for Naperville Central’s 16 shutouts. But in sectional final, she’s a huge one.

May 30, 2026 at 9:17 a.m.

Emily Tilton limits Loyola recruit Annie Fitzgerald to two shots as Naperville Central shuts out Benet in a Class 3A sectional championship game.

Benet's Liam Creighton and Dominik Tomala

Benet senior Dominik Tomala feels that ‘urgency at the end.’ He’s pulling out all the stops in the playoffs.

May 29, 2026 at 6:27 a.m.

Benet catcher Dominik Tomala makes key plays on defense and hits a double to drive in an important insurance run during a Class 4A regional semifinal.

Naperville Central’s Ryley Orlanes may be ‘hardest on himself.’ But he can’t downplay impact in playoff debut.

May 28, 2026 at 10:20 a.m.

Varsity rookie Ryley Orlanes goes 3-for-3 with two runs scored and two stolen bases as Naperville Central blanks Bolingbrook in a Class 4A regional semifinal.

Stevenson’s Olivia Spieth ‘always is going to find a way.’ To not only score goals but also win state titles.

May 28, 2026 at 8:19 a.m.

Stevenson girls water polo has won four straight state championship games. Olivia Spieth has starred in all of them.

After torn ACL, Sahana Raju returns ‘better than ever.’ That’s timely for Benet in more ways than one.

May 27, 2026 at 6:25 a.m.

Benet defender Sahana Raju holds Oswego star forward Jordyn Washington scoreless and tallies her first goal off a corner kick in a Class 3A sectional semifinal.

Metea Valley freshman catcher Diego Bastidas impresses against rival in playoff debut. ‘The sky is the limit.’

May 26, 2026 at 6:16 a.m.

Diego Bastidas goes 2-for-4 with two RBIs and also makes key defensive plays as Metea Valley beats Neuqua Valley in a Class 4A regional quarterfinal.

All Stories