Last week, the Oak Park and River Forest High School girls volleyball team, which clinched the outright West Suburban Silver title for the first time in 32 years, made a statement with a pair of victories against strong Girls Catholic Athletic Conference teams.
On Oct. 21 in the East Avenue Showdown, OPRF (22-7) made quick work of Fenwick (22-11) with a 25-9, 25-14 victory.
“Senior Night’s always really emotional,” said OPRF coach Symone Speech, “but it was so nice to see them have some fun.”
Senior Samantha Shelton led the Huskies with nine kills and thought the victory was extra special because it came against their neighbor.
“There was a lot of adrenaline and I think that entered into the game and helped us get this win,” she said.
Shelton and her classmate, libero Kate Bailitz (three assists, three digs) were also thrilled about OPRF’s conference title.
“We haven’t won conference in over 30 years, so this group specifically being able to win it is an amazing feeling,” Shelton said. “I’m super-proud of how far we’ve come this season.”
“I love since Coach Symone took over the program how she’s set a good mindset for all of us,” Bailitz said. “That’s what’s motivated us.”
OPRF completed the regular season on Oct. 23 with a 25-18, 25-20 home victory over St. Ignatius.
Fenwick coach Tee Pimsarn knew OPRF was a good team heading into the contest. Afterwards, he came away more impressed with the Huskies.
“They’ve got big hitters and they’re disciplined,” Pimsarn said. “They serve really well. We were a step behind the whole match.”
Junior Bella Gray led the Friars with eight kills against OPRF. Senior Emma Kure had seven digs, and junior Sofia Grossman had seven assists.
“We need to keep striving to meet the challenges of these tough matches,” Pimsarn said. “That’s our goal: be faster, swing harder, be taller.”
OPRF is the top seed in the Class 4A Lyons Township Sectional. The Huskies began the playoffs at the Jones Regional Oct. 28, after deadline, against either Proviso East or Proviso West. Assuming a win, OPRF would meet either Hinsdale Central or Jones in the regional final, Oct. 30, at 6 p.m.
“We’re winning and definitely progressing as the season goes on,” Shelton said. “I think we’re going to do really good in the playoffs.”
“The most important thing is setting goals for ourselves,” Bailitz said. “We’re going to keep setting them as we go through the playoffs and accomplishing one at a time.”
Fenwick bounced back on Oct. 23 for a 25-21, 12-25, 25-17 home victory over St. Laurence. Gray had seven kills, four digs, two blocks, and an ace to lead the Friars, who are the top seed in a Class 3A sectional they’re hosting. Fenwick is also home to a regional, and the Friars faced either Perspectives/IIT or Ogden International on Oct. 28 in a semifinal, after deadline. A win moves Fenwick into the final, Oct. 30 at 6 p.m., against Bulls Prep or Muchin.
Fenwick’s Emma Kure (5) returns a serve against Oak Park and River Forest during a nonconference match Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025 in Oak Park, IL. (Steve Johnston/Wednesday Journal) 
Fenwick’s Emily Drumm (33) follows through on a kill attempt against Oak Park and River Forest during a nonconference match Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025 in Oak Park, IL. (Steve Johnston/Wednesday Journal) 
Fenwick’s Bella Gray (11) floats a shot back over the net against Oak Park and River Forest during a nonconference match Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025 in Oak Park, IL. (Steve Johnston/Wednesday Journal) 
Fenwick’s Sofia Grossman (10) chases down the ball against Oak Park and River Forest during a nonconference match Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025 in Oak Park, IL. (Steve Johnston/Wednesday Journal)
“These kids definitely earned the top seed,” Pimsarn said. “We have big dreams to dream. As long as we can get a faster start than [against OPRF] and be more connected, I think we should be good to go. We’re asking all of Fenwick Nation to show up. Our cheerleading team’s coming and we’re going to try and pack the place for regionals and sectionals.”
Trinity
Like Fenwick, the Blazers (19-14) are hosting both a regional and sectional this season in Class 2A and are the top seed.
Trinity opened the playoffs with a regional semifinal against Clemente or Noble Academy, Oct. 28. A victory advances the Blazers to the final versus F.W. Parker or Noble Street Charter, Oct. 30, at 7 p.m.