BARTLESVILLE VOLLEYBALL FALLS TO BOOKER T. WASHINGTON IN HOME OPENER
Bartlesville High School’s Sophie Frye (3) and Rylann O'Bannion (15) play against Booker T. Washington on Monday in Bartlesville. The Lady Bruins fell, 3-1.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
By Mike Tupa
Aug. 14, 2025
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS REPORT
Following a tentative start on Monday, the Bartlesville High School volleyball team unleashed a spirited attack in Tuesday’s home opener against Tulsa Washington.
Washington — the defending Class 5A state champion — rallied to beat Bartlesville, 21-25, 26-24, 25-17, 25-16, in front of an energized crowd at the Bruin Fieldhouse.
Bartlesville — which is breaking in a new rotation this season — fell to 1-2, but has shown signs of being a strong contender in Class 6A competition.
After splitting on Monday — defeating host Enid and losing to Sand Springs — the Lady Bruins seemed to blossom overnight against one of the toughest teams they’ll play in the regular season.
Booker T. Washington — boasting arguably the best player in the state — had to dig deep Tuesday to turn back the Lady Bruins.
“We played much better than on Monday,” second-year Lady Bruin head coach Andrew Blain said. “I was really pleased with the game overall.”
As mentioned, Monday’s effort was defined by some tentativeness as girls tried to grow into their roles and mesh together.
In Monday’s opener, the Lady Bruins swept past Enid, 25-20, 25-12, 25-17. Sand Springs broomed the Lady Bruins in the second match, 25-14, 25-22, 25-14.
Despite the talent drain from graduation off last year’s team, second-year Lady Bruin head coach Andrew Blain still welcomed back this season some battle-proven starting warriors, including setter Emma Parsley.
That’s what made Monday’s win against Enid so noteworthy — for this new mix to start the season with a win.
“Emma Parsley was a leader for us,” Blain said. “She was making plays all over the court.”
Next up, the Lady Bruins travel this weekend to the Lincoln Christian Tournament — where they could hook-up against Tulsa Washington again.
Following is a closer look at Bartlesville’s home match:
TULSA WASHINGTON def. BARTLESVILLE, 21-25, 26-24, 25-17, 25-16: Bartlesville actually had Washington on the ropes in the second game. Bartlesville led 24-21 and needed just one point to win and take a two-games-to-none advantage. But, Washington rallied to come out on top in the game and went on to win the match.
“We just ran out of gas,” by the end of that second set, Blain said.
Ellie Benson crushed 14 kills to lead Bartlesville’s offensive barrage.
“She played fantastic,” Blain said.
He also heaped heavy praise on his back row players, led by Ava Smith and Sophie Frye.
Parsley played a crucial role both as the main setter and on defense.
“She really gave us a chance all night long,” Blain said.
Blain also praised the performance of freshman Aisley Keirsey in the early-season battles.
NOTE: Blain is utilizing multiple setters this season. Another one in addition to Parsley is Claire Barta.