It’s hard for a team to defeat a conference opponent in the state playoffs, especially if that team won the regular season matchup.
This season, the Oak Park and River High School boys volleyball team defeated Lyons Township in a West Suburban Silver match on April 8 in two sets. The rematch, which took place at the IHSA Hinsdale Central sectional, May 31, needed a third set.
In an action-packed semifinal, the Huskies prevailed over the Lions, 25-19, 22-25, and 26-24.
“It was a great game, hard fought on both sides,” said OPRF coach Justin Cousin. “It’s going to be tough when you see a conference opponent. LT’s seen us and knows us well; it’s hard to beat them twice.”
OPRF (31-4) clinched the match on a wild rally. With the Huskies leading 25-24 in the final set, sophomore outside hitter Jimmie “Trayce” Chrusfield dove to keep the ball alive. After getting the ball back, OPRF junior Henry Hullinger notched a kill to end things.
Oak Park and River Forest’s Jimmie Chrusfield III (13) sends the ball past Lyons Township’s Brody Lee-Caracci (4) during the Hinsdale Central Sectional semifinal match Saturday, May 31, 2025 in Hinsdale, IL. (Steve Johnston/Wednesday Journal) 
Lyons Township’s Tyler Chambers (24) goes up for a kill against Oak Park and River Forest during the Hinsdale Central Sectional semifinal match Saturday, May 31, 2025 in Hinsdale, IL. (Steve Johnston/Riverside-Brookfield Landmark) 
Oak Park and River Forest’s Henry Hullinger (5) goes up for a kill against Lyons Township’s Matt Rife (17) during the Hinsdale Central Sectional semifinal match Saturday, May 31, 2025 in Hinsdale, IL. (Steve Johnston/Wednesday Journal) 
Lyons Township’s Owen Carroll (8) sends the ball past the Oak Park and River Forest defenders during the Hinsdale Central Sectional semifinal match Saturday, May 31, 2025 in Hinsdale, IL. (Steve Johnston/Riverside-Brookfield Landmark) 
Lyons Township’s Matt Rife (17) sets the ball against Oak Park and River Forest during the Hinsdale Central Sectional semifinal match Saturday, May 31, 2025 in Hinsdale, IL. (Steve Johnston/Riverside-Brookfield Landmark) 
Oak Park and River Forest’s Matthew Proskey (21) sets the ball against Lyons Township during the Hinsdale Central Sectional semifinal match Saturday, May 31, 2025 in Hinsdale, IL. (Steve Johnston/Wednesday Journal) 
Lyons Township’s tries for the kill against Oak Park and River Forest’s Wesley Kochendorfer (7) and Henry Ohlhoff (8) during the Hinsdale Central Sectional semifinal match Saturday, May 31, 2025 in Hinsdale, IL. (Steve Johnston/Riverside-Brookfield Landmark) 
Oak Park and River Forest’s Henry Ohlhoff (8) sends the ball over the net against Lyons Township during the Hinsdale Central Sectional semifinal match Saturday, May 31, 2025 in Hinsdale, IL. (Steve Johnston/Wednesday Journal) 
Oak Park and River Forest’s bench reacts as the Huskies get to within one point of winning the third set and the match against Lyons Township during the Hinsdale Central Sectional semifinal match Saturday, May 31, 2025 in Hinsdale, IL. (Steve Johnston/Wednesday Journal) 
Oak Park and River Forest’s Gavin Martin (22) celebrates with his teammates after defeating Lyons Township during the Hinsdale Central Sectional semifinal match Saturday, May 31, 2025 in Hinsdale, IL. (Steve Johnston/Wednesday Journal)
“Even though we were scrambling and scrapping,” Cousin said, “we were able to maintain our composure and get the job done.”
OPRF advanced to the sectional after winning its own regional, defeating Stagg 25-12, 25-21, May 29. The Huskies had no problems in the first set, but the Chargers made a push in the second.
“I don’t think it was a lapse in focus,” said Chrusfield, who had eight kills and three aces. “[Stagg] just didn’t want to lose and they played a good second set.”
“That second set, we were focused on making sure that we understand what it means to be in the playoffs,” Cousin said. “We have to go out and make sure we respect every opponent and treat it as if it’s our last game.”
Junior setter Matthew Proskey added 14 assists, three kills, and an ace. He combined with Chrusfield to get several key points for OPRF down the stretch against Stagg.
“It’s so fun,” Proskey said. “I just throw it up there, and it’s so nice. Trayce puts it down every time.”
“They’ve been doing it for us all season and been really consistent,” Cousin said. “They’ve been a staple and it’s been fun watching them grow.”
Chrusfield, Proskey, junior middle hitter Wesley Kochendorfer, and junior libero Gus Leman made the All-West Suburban Silver Team.
Next for OPRF is the sectional final versus Sandburg. The match took place June 3, after press time, with the winner advancing to the state finals, June 6-7, at Hoffman Estates.
“We beat Sandburg in the sectional semifinal last year,” Cousin said. “It’s all about staying focused, putting one foot in front of the other, and playing our game.”
Fenwick
The Friars (2-18) ended a difficult season with a loss to Oak Lawn in the OPRF Regional quarterfinals, May 26, 16-25, 23-25.
However, there is hope for improvement as eight varsity players return next year, including freshman outside hitter Esteban Jimenez, and junior defensive specialists Johnny Cox and Jack Ortiz, all of whom saw valuable playing time this season.