Hutsyn Timosciek gained prominence two years ago by achieving 11 kills in a supersectional win, helping Lockport reach the state finals for the first time in 25 years. Last season, she recorded 356 kills to propel the Porters back to the state competition, compensating for Kyla Mitchell’s injury absence. Lockport claimed third place in Class 4A both seasons. As a senior right-side hitter, Timosciek is now pursuing greater achievements.
“We definitely want more—that’s the goal every year,” Timosciek said. “Sadly, we’ve been falling a little short. But we’re so used to going to state now. I feel like we’ve had a taste of it and we want more of it.”
On Thursday night, Timosciek continued her strong performance. The left-handed hitter contributed 11 kills to lead the Porters to a 25-18, 25-22 victory over Sandburg in the SouthWest Suburban Conference. Mitchell, who is headed to Virginia, added 10 kills for Lockport (19-4, 4-0), with nine of them in the second game. Milwaukee recruit Natalie Bochantin provided 12 assists, while Emma Consigny added six digs.
For Sandburg (7-12, 0-3), Bella Maras led with five kills, and Ellery Dyra contributed three blocks. Lockport, apart from benefiting from Timosciek’s skills, is excited to have both her and Mitchell active in the lineup. Mitchell, who transitioned from middle hitter to outside during the season, enjoyed seeing Timosciek excel. “She’s a major part of our team,” Mitchell said. “She’s someone we can count on to put the ball away. She has huge power behind her arm and, yeah, she’s definitely a big piece to this team. She does a lot for us.”
Coach Nick Mraz credits Timosciek’s improvement to her experience on the team. “During her sophomore year, she was a part of the team, but the match that stands out was the supersectional,” Mraz recalled from the 23-25, 25-9, 25-22 victory over Downers Grove South. “That was huge. It was a big reason we went to state that year.”
Mraz emphasized Timosciek’s pivotal role and confidence that contributed to her leading the team in kills last year. “Her confidence carried into this year. She wants the ball. She demands the ball,” Mraz noted.
Timosciek expressed her optimism for the Porters making a third consecutive appearance at state finals in CEFCU Arena, Normal. “Sophomore year, we didn’t know where to go right away,” she explained. “Junior year, we knew where to go and what to wear. We didn’t know there were pictures during practice, and junior year, we were able to get ready and look nice. We felt more comfortable last year.”
The Timosciek family celebrates a rich legacy at state competitions. Her mother, Sherrie, previously assisted Sandburg’s girls soccer team in qualifying for state for the first time in 1991. Additionally, her brothers, Hayden and Hyatt, were part of Lockport’s Class 8A state football championship team in 2021.
Although her mother played for Sandburg, Timosciek stresses less competitive banter prior to facing the Eagles. “I have a lot of friends on Sandburg, so I trash-talked with them before the game,” she shared. “But with my mom—we’ve been here so long, I don’t think she cares about Sandburg anymore, I’m not going to lie. She wants me to win.”
Jeff Vorva is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.