FLIP THE 'ON' SWITCH: BHS spikers set to surge into action

With more than 45 wins in her first three seasons, Bartlesville High head volleyball coach Jen Ward has plenty of belief in the individual talent on this year’s roster.

But, what she doesn’t have are All-Staters Mia Otten and Sydney Collins.

Both four-year starters — beginning with the year before Ward came on the scene — are in the dawn of their college athletic and academic pursuits.

It’s not so much the absence of their physical skills as much as their leadership and continuity of their superior production that raises the specter of the unknown heading into opening week.

Bartlesville debuts Tuesday at Bixby and travels Thursday to Stillwater. The home opener is set for Aug. 16 against Broken Arrow.

“We’re starting four sophomores,” Ward noted. “We have so much potential. … I think we will surprise people — I just don’t know when.”

How long it takes the new mix to gel and form into a formidable varsity power in all aspects of the game is the question.

There is no question about the potency of the Lady Bruins power attack up front, led by third-year main-rotation hitter Kelsey Ward and sophomore dynamo Emry Brown. Both will primarily be left-side hitters.

“Emry and Kelsey can call the ball against everyone,” Ward said. “The key is to get the defense we need and to keep getting them the ball. … I’m really excited to see what she (Brown) does. She’s such a dominant athlete. Kelsey, she’s feisty. She’s picked up some new shots. She works her tail off.”

Ward is looking at three girls rotating in as part of the two-setter offense — Bethany Johnson, Emma Parsley and Hayden Brandon.

Kara Stotts and Rya Christiansen are the main two middle blockers and veterans Claire Walker and Marissa Demuth each are designated as right-side hitters.

Reid Roust and Kate Johnson top the depth chart at libero.

“The girls are super invested,” Ward said. “They’re fun to be with, They work hard and are probably scrappier from all positions than we’ve had in the past.”