Girls lacrosse: Big fourth quarter sends Barrington to state

Barrington scored three unanswered goals in the fourth quarter to top the host Red Raiders 10-6 in Tuesday’s Huntley supersectional.

While Huntley was shut out in the final frame, Filly Emma Menke hit the back of the net twice and teammate Zoey Watson scored to secure the victory.

On Thursday Barrington (23-2) will make its first appearance in the state tournament when it squares off with Loyola Academy, last year’s runner-up, in a 1p.m. semifinal at Hinsdale Central.

Huntley (17-7) closed out the 2026 campaign with its first sectional title in program history.

Being able to punch their ticket for state provided Barrington with momentum during the contest.

“I think that we were really hyped up to win because we really wanted to go to state. This is the first time that I've been in high school that we've had this opportunity,” Menke said. “So, I think we pushed the pace and we were able to stay up the whole game which really helped us.”

Barrington’s defense limited Huntley to two goals in the second half.

“We kept our eyes on their key players: Four (Mya Holmberg), six (Leah Holmberg) and 13 (Kate Barnes). Our defensive goal was to lock them out by double teaming them and cause turnovers before they can get shots off,” Barrington coach Addie Dieckmeyer said. “Iris Stennett stepped up in this fourth quarter and was playing phenomenal defense and had some great key turnovers that helped us secure the win.”

Mya Holmberg, who scored three of Huntley’s goals, drew most of the attention.

“Our focus was to stay on number four because she loved to drive and just played aggressive,” Stennett said.

“A lot of the play goes through her and when you lock her down, or put three people on one person like that, it's a little more difficult to adjust,” Huntley coach Joe Domka said. “So, they did a good job with stopping her.”

Holmberg took it in stride.

“Part of being a good player is to get better with people tripling you and people playing hard on you,” the sophomore said. “So, I like the pressure.”

Barrington was able to get behind Huntley defenders to score.

“I think that our drives were really working,” said Menke. “So, we were cutting through, and whoever had the ball, we were able to drive and beat their defense.”

Defending Menke is challenging. The senior scored five of Barrington’s goals.

“It’s kind of hard to judge her shot because she has so many different shots,” said Domka. “It’s hard to try and contain her.”

Barrington never trailed, leading 3-2 after the first quarter and 6-3 at intermission. Huntley tied the match at the start of the second and third periods, but both times the Fillies rallied to pull back ahead.

Bella Wolfe notched two scores for Barrington. Teammates Gia Klauer and Chloe Niven also scored goals.

Aubrie Salazar’s two goals and Lauren Cardinal’s tally provided the rest of Huntley’s offense.