Two years ago, Hutsyn Timosciek made headlines with her 11 kills in a supersectional match, propelling Lockport to the state finals after a 25-year hiatus. She continued her impressive performance last year with 356 kills, compensating for an injury to Kyla Mitchell, and helping Lockport secure third place in Class 4A. Now a senior right-side hitter, Timosciek aims to achieve even more. ‘We definitely want more — that’s the goal every year,’ she said. Despite falling short previously, the team is accustomed to reaching the state level and is driven for greater success.
Timosciek’s impact was evident on Thursday night, as she led her team with 11 kills to secure a 25-18, 25-22 victory over Sandburg in the SouthWest Suburban Conference. Mitchell, bound for Virginia, added 10 kills, significantly contributing in the tight second game. With Milwaukee recruit Natalie Bochantin’s 12 assists and Emma Consigny’s six digs, Lockport demonstrated strong teamwork. Sandburg, led by Bella Maras with five kills, struggled at 7-12 overall.
The Porters are elated to have both Timosciek and Mitchell active in the lineup this season. Last year, Mitchell was sidelined due to a leg injury but has now switched from middle to outside hitter. ‘She’s a major part of our team,’ Mitchell said of Timosciek. Her powerful gameplay significantly benefits the team, and Lockport coach Nick Mraz concurs, noting Timosciek’s sustained improvement. Her sophomore year was marked by a crucial supersectional match against Downers Grove South. ‘That was huge. It was a big reason we went to state that year,’ Mraz explained. Her junior year saw her lead in kills, and she has carried that confidence into this year.
Lockport’s Hutsyn Timosciek (14) executes an attack against Sandburg during a SouthWest Suburban Conference match on Oct. 1, 2026. (James C. Svehla / Daily Southtown)
Timosciek emphasizes the benefit of familiarity if Lockport returns to the state finals at CEFCU Arena. ‘Sophomore year, we didn’t know where to go right away,’ she remarked. ‘Junior year, we knew where to go and what to wear. We felt more comfortable last year.’
Lockport’s Kyla Mitchell (8) returns the ball against Sandburg during a SouthWest Suburban Conference match on Oct. 1, 2026. (James C. Svehla / Daily Southtown)
Timosciek’s family is experienced at state competitions as well. Her mother, Sherrie, nee Donnells, contributed to Sandburg’s historic boys’ soccer state qualification in 1991, and her brothers, Hayden and Hyatt, were part of Lockport’s 2021 Class 8A state football victory. Despite Sherrie’s past association with Sandburg, there’s minimal rivalry within the family ahead of matches against the Eagles. ‘I have a lot of friends on Sandburg, so I trash-talked with them before the game,’ Timosciek shared. ‘But with my mom — we’ve been here so long, I don’t think she cares about Sandburg anymore. She wants me to win.’
Lockport’s Hutsyn Timosciek (14) smashes the ball off the block during the match against Sandburg on Oct. 1, 2026. (James C. Svehla / Daily Southtown)
Jeff Vorva reports for the Daily Southtown.