VOLLEYBALL: BARTLESVILLE SWEEPS ENID, FALLS TO SANDITES AND HORNETS; DEWEY FALLS TO THE ACADEMY
Bartlesville High School’s Cera Federico (8) sends one over the net against Booker T. Washington on Tuesday in Bartlesville. The Lady Bruins swept Enid on Monday, but fell to Sand Springs. Booker T. Washington defeated the Lady Bruins 3-1 on Tuesday. A game report is scheduled for a later date.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
By Mike Tupa
August 13, 2025
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS REPORT
Following are summaries of recent high school volleyball action on Monday.
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BARTLESVILLE
Despite the good-spirited effort to try to mitigate the migration loss — via graduation — of high profile talent off last year’s team, the reality is the Bartlesville High School volleyball team has a lot of reloading and quick-track blossoming to reclaim its status as a Top Eight team in the state.
All that considered, Bartlesville didn’t fare too badly in the season opener tri-meet at Enid.
In the opener, the Lady Bruins swept past Enid, 25-20, 25-12, 25-17, to open the second season for head coach Andrew Blain.
Sand Springs broomed the Lady Bruins in the second match, 25-14, 25-22, 25-14.
“Sand Springs played a strong game,” said Blain, who last year guided Bartlesville to a 30-9 record and home court advantage in the regionals. “They’re really improved from last year. … We did not respond well to adversity.”
But this is still a young team — in terms of major starting experience. The last couple of seasons the program rode the mighty shoulders of outside hitter Emry Brown, who helped power the Lady Bruins to a cumulative 72-38 record from 2022-24. Brown left as one of the state’s top kill swatters and among the elite spikers in Lady Bruin history.
Several other key veterans off last year’s team joined Brown last spring in the graduation two-step, including both his main middle blockers/hitters, an experienced setter, a top-notch defensive specialist and other veteran experience.
Despite the talent drain, Blain still welcomed back 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.”
Following is a closer look at the matches:
BARTLESVILLE def. ENID, 25-20, 25-12, 25-17: Mia Johnson hammered 10 kills to lead a sweltering hitting attack. Avery Matney and Cera Federico added six apiece. Rylann O’Bannion and Federico each delivered four service aces.
“We didn’t play great, but we did okay,” Blain said. “It was kind of like we were trying to get in a rhythm, like we’re trying to figure out who we are.”
SAND SPRINGS def. BARTLESVILLE, 25-14, 25-22, 25-14: Ellie Benson belted six kills, followed by Matney with five.
“I thought Avery Matney had a great night,” Blain said. “She provided us more offense than I expected. She put up some big blocks and played surprisingly well.”
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Bartlesville High School’s Ellie Benson (31) plays against Booker T. Washington in Bartlesville on Tuesday. The Lady Bruins swept Enid on Monday, but fell to Sand Springs. Booker T. Washington defeated the Lady Bruins 3-1 on Tuesday. A game report is scheduled for a later date.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
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DEWEY
The underdog Lady Dogger displayed big fight in a season-opening loss against The Academy powerhouse team, 25-12, 25-23, 25-20.
The Academy finished fourth in the state last season.
Dewey head coach Hayley Harris praised the work of setters Mylee Garrison and Kaylee Anton-Cole.
“They both did exceptionally well in getting the ball to the hitters,” Harris said.
At outside hitters, the performances of Lacey Nichols and Marcella Willard both earned Harris’ praise.
Callie Posch delivered some key blocks and Olivia Croucher played strong on digs, Harris added.
“We can always do things better,” Harris said, pointing to slow communication and a tentative start as two lessons learned in this loss.
The Lady Doggers will look to snap back Thursday against Sperry.