NORMAL — When Hutsyn Timosciek and several other sophomores were pulled up to the varsity last season for Lockport, it started a bond that continues to this day.
That group was a big part of the reason why the Porters ended up taking third place last year in Class 4A. And that chemistry got them right back this fall to CEFCU Arena.
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“Moving up with them, I think we’re getting closer and closer every single year,” Timosciek said. “We’ve become more of a family, more tight knit. Moving up with them means everything.
“It means we can keep the same playing style.”
The Porters put that playing style to good use Friday night, taking Benet to the brink in the first game of a 25-23, 25-16 setback to the Redwings in a Class 4A state semifinal match.
Bridget Ferriter paced Lockport (34-8) with eight kills and 18 digs, while Timosciek tallied six kills. Brooklynne Brass led Benet (39-4) with nine kills and four blocks. Lynney Tarnow added six kills.
Ferriter recorded 15 kills and Timosciek followed with 14 Saturday as the Porters cashed in on a second straight shot at third place in the state with a 21-25, 25-23, 25-16 win over Fremd (31-9).
Junior setter Natalie Bochantin — one of those classmates of Timosciek — felt Lockport was ready for the challenge after losing in the semifinals last season.
“It really motivates me,” Bochantin said. “It’s like a driving force. We had unfinished business with the Catholic teams. We really got into the mindset of going back to state. This is our year.”
Junior outside/middle hitter Malia Cole also chipped in with two big kills to help force a 23-23 tie in the first game. Benet, however, was able to pull away for the win.
“It was 23-23 toward the end there, both sides making some plays,” Lockport coach Nick Mraz said. “We couldn’t quite finish it off toward the end.”
Ferriter’s kill in the second game also created a tie at 15-15, but the Redwings were dominant the rest of the way to return to the state championship match for the fourth straight season.
“I think during the playoffs they’ve really wanted it,” Timosciek said of Benet. “I think that was a big determination for them. I know they’ve been down here for four years in a row with this class.
“I think that compelled them to do better.”
Timosciek was determined to make sure the Porters were ready again to play for third place. It’s a match that’s never easy to get up for, but she said a clear mind will be in order.
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“We’re going to come just reset and come in with a good mindset,” Timosciek said.
Considering the success of the Southland’s private school programs and throughout the state, Mraz was proud of how his team has kept its success going.
“For a public school to come back here back-to-back years, it’s a very short list and not a lot recently,” Mraz said. “I’m definitely proud of that effort. They were right there.
“I know they weren’t shell-shocked. They came out and battled, so I hope they made the Lockport community proud. I know I am coaching them.”
There’s still one more milestone to hit this season before the focus shifts to making a third straight run to state. Timosciek wanted to go out on a strong note and send a solid message.
“Last year, we were the top public school because we got third place,” Timosciek said. “We were one of two teams in Class 4A that ended on a win. That’s something that we have a chance to do.
“We don’t want to end this season on a bad note. We want to end it on a good note.”
Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.