BARTLESVILLE LADY BRUINS
Coach: ANDREW BLAIN
30-9
OUTLOOK
After a 30-win season, the Lady Bruins are experiencing some change in the lineup. Head coach Andrew Blain said the team has good experience but needs to find the right combination to fill some voids in the lineup.
“Our team is both filled with a lot of experience and finding ourselves needing to fill massive voids left by six varsity contributors. We have some vets with three and four years of varsity experience and a lot of opportunity for players to step into bigger roles. We have nine seniors and 10 juniors going into this next season as well as multiple underclassmen fighting for playing time. Our depth at every position is going to be one of our greatest strengths,” said coach Blain.
One player the Bruin faithful is familiar with is Emma Parsley. Parsley is a four-year varsity setter and someone who can help lead the team into a challenging schedule. Parsley is on pace to top the 2,000 career assists mark.
“She is an incredible setter as one of the best defensive setters in 6A. Her ability to play defense reminds me a lot of Bruin legend Sydney Collins who spent half of her career as a libero. Emma will be a rock and leader for us all season,” said coach Blain.
Sophomore standout Lyndee Revard continues to turn heads with her play. In years past, Revard would have become a four-year starter, but due to the depth on the roster, Revard has waited for her turn to come around and now that it’s here, she is looking forward to making the most of the opportunity. Coach Blain said he is excited for her future and what it may hold.
A pair of underclassmen in Aisley Keirsey and Shalynn Conley have entered the program as freshmen but are showing they can compete for playing time and be difference makers for the Lady Bruins.
“They both have serious potential to play big minutes this year as freshman on a team with 19 upperclassmen. Aisley is a middle that plays much older than she is. She plays smart and collected when the game speeds up to the varsity level. She has shown herself ready. Shalynn is a powerful outside hitter. She doesn’t quite have the experience that Aisley does, but she makes up for it with power and athleticism. They will both be very fun to watch the next several years,” said coach Blain.
Also look for three-year starting libero Sophie Frye. Frye is the anchor of the serve receive and the defense. Her experience and leadership will spread throughout the team as she is one of the first teammates to help others. Coach Blain said the team relies heavily on Frye and her leadership on and off the court.
