The 2026 IHSAA boys volleyball state tournament is officially underway, and the excitement is building across the South Bend area. With 10 local teams competing in two sectionals, this year's tournament promises plenty of action, drama, and potential upsets.
Last season, Penn made history by winning the first-ever IHSAA-sanctioned boys volleyball sectional championship in the area. This year, the Kingsmen enter as strong favorites to repeat, boasting an impressive 8-1 record against sectional opponents during the regular season—outscoring them 23-4 in sets. However, they won't have an easy path.
The Northridge Raiders, hosting Sectional 4, are the only team to have beaten Penn this season. The two squads split their regular-season matchups, with Northridge taking a decisive 3-0 victory on May 4, while Penn responded with a 2-0 win on April 25. That sets up a potential rematch that could be the highlight of the tournament.
But don't count out the other contenders. Elkhart, South Bend Riley, and Warsaw all enter sectional play with winning records, proving they have the talent to challenge the favorites. With so much parity, the stage is set for a thrilling week of volleyball.
Here's a look at the full schedule for the South Bend area sectionals, running from Tuesday, May 12 through Saturday, May 16:
Sectional 19
Tuesday, May 12, 6 p.m.: South Central vs. Michigan City
Wednesday, May 13, 5:30 p.m.: Westville vs. Washington Township
Wednesday, May 13, 7 p.m.: Morgan Township vs. Kouts
Thursday, May 14, 5:30 p.m.: Chesterton vs. Tri-Township
Thursday, May 14, 7 p.m.: La Porte vs. Winner of South Central/Michigan City
Saturday, May 16, 11 a.m.: Winner of Westville/Washington Twp. vs. Winner of Morgan Twp./Kouts
Saturday, May 16, 12:30 p.m.: Winner of Chesterton/Tri Twp. vs. Winner of La Porte/South Central/Michigan City
Sectional 4
Tuesday, May 12, 6 p.m.: South Bend Riley vs. South Bend Adams
Wednesday, May 13, 5:30 p.m.: Elkhart vs. Warsaw
Wednesday, May 13, 7 p.m.: South Bend Saint Joseph vs. NorthWood
Thursday, May 14, 5:30 p.m.: South Bend Washington vs. Northridge
Thursday, May 14, 7 p.m.: Penn vs. Winner of Riley/Adams
Saturday, May 16, 10:30 a.m.: Winner of Elkhart/Warsaw vs. Winner of Saint Joseph/NorthWood
Saturday, May 16, Noon: Winner of Penn/Riley/Adams vs. Winner of Washington/Northridge
Whether you're rooting for the defending champs or hoping for a Cinderella story, this week has everything a volleyball fan could ask for. Stay tuned as we track all the scores and highlights from the tournament.