BETHANY – The Lady Bronchos’ road to another Class 4A state title just became shorter.

The Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association informed the school Thursday that their District 7 opponent, Clinton, did not have enough healthy players for their matchup Friday at 6 p.m.

Because of that, Bethany advances as the District 7 winner to the regionals in Area II next week. The top-ranked Lady Bronchos (20-4) will meet the winner of the District 6 contest, either Elk City or Bishop McGuinness. That game will be Thursday (Feb. 22) at 6 p.m.

Bethany coach Eric Sailer said he’d rather be playing instead of getting the equivalent of a bye.

“It will be several days before we can play a game,” Sailer said via email. “But, we will make the best out of this time and try to stay focused!”

Because of the change, the Bethany boys game with Clinton Friday has been moved up to a 6:30 p.m. start.