BETHANY – The Lady Broncho softball team has a new coach in Guthrie’s Booker Blakley.

From 2015 through last season, Blakley compiled a 169-122 record. In 2023, the Lady Jays fell in the state title game to Piedmont, who completed a three-peat in Class 5A. Blakeley’s Guthrie squads also made state tournament appearances in 2015, 2018, 2021 and 2022.

Bethany made a quick exit in the Class 4A regional playoffs in 2023, finishing at 16-16.

“Looking to take a lot of experience from last year and take our team to a higher level,” Blakley told West Metro Sports. “First year coach with State tournament experience along with coaching staff with state tournament experience. We have big goals and plan to make some noise in Class 4A this year.”

Returning Lady Bronchos include senior shortstop Ireland Riley, juniors Madison Bibbs (catcher), Berkley Johnson (first base), Emma Buxton (infielder) and Madison McNutt (outfielder).

Also returning are sophomores Gray Williamson (second base), Ella Davis (outfielder), Jules Barger (outfielder) and Emma Geissler (outfielder).

While Bethany lost Jaydyn Barger to graduation, Blakley notes that all of the returning players “started at some point at key times during the last season.”

The Lady Bronchos open the season at Kingfisher Tuesday (August 13). First pitch is at 5 p.m.