BARTLESVILLE VOLLEYBALL SURGED TO 20-WIN SEASON; GRADUATES NINE SENIORS
Bartlesville High School’s Terrin Barclay (4) hits one over the net during an earlier season match. The Lady Bruins ended their season at 20-17.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Bartlesville High School’s Ellie Benson (13) is introduced during an earlier season game. The Lady Bruins, who ended their season at 20-17, graduate nine seniors.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
By Mike Tupa
Oct. 20, 2025
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS REPORT
Ten weeks ago a 20-win season might have seemed a long stretch for the rebuilding Bartlesville High School volleyball team.
But this hearty group of Lady Bruins weren’t awed by expectations or doubts. They simply want to win.
And win they did.
They pulled up to the finish line last week with a 20-17 record for second-year head coach Andrew Blain.
It should also be noted that Blain reached his 50th career victory with the Lady Bruins.
“That’s kind of fun to reach that in two seasons,” said Blain.
The Lady Bruins saw their campaign end in a loss to Bixby in Class 6A regional playoffs hosted by Bixby, 3-0 (19-25, 19-25, 25-22), on October 14.
Earlier that same day, Bartlesville achieved its 20th win (and Blain’s 50th) at the expense of Southmoore, 3-0.
With the season done, Blain has to start working on a rebuilding plan to replace nine graduating seniors— Ava Smith, Riata Peck, Emma Parsley, Sophie Frye, Terrin Barclay, Ellie Benson, Avery Matney, Rylann O’Bannion and Cera Federico.
During the four years this senior class was part of Bartlesville volleyball squad that recorded a cumulative 92-55 record and four-straight winning seasons.
They ended their career on a high note with two competitive matches at the regional.
Bartlesville bowled over Southmoore in comfortable fashion.
“Absolutely, we played one of our better games,” Blain said. “They (Southmoore) were a good enough team. We thought they would give us a fight and we kind of took the fight out of them.”
Outside hitter Mia Johnson kept Southmoore under fire by hammering 18 kills on 33 swings, with a 42-percent attack percentage.
Federico brought a strong presence to the floor after returning from injury in time to play the last few matches.
“She was a big boost for us,” Blain said.
He also praised Frye for setting a new school record for digs in a season. The former record was 422 (already held by Frye) and she amassed 436 this season.
All that remains now of the volleyball season are the echoes of cheers and distilled memories of unforgettable moments and interaction with teammates.
Every season is like a fingerprint — no two are ever the same. Each group is unique — all the personalities blend together for a vibrant collective team id.
This team left its imprint as one of the grittiest and most determined up and down the lineup and down the bench.
But each campaign has an expiration date. Now it’s time to move on.
Bartlesville High School’s Avery Matney (10) is introduced during an earlier season game. The Lady Bruins ended their season at 20-17.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports