Bethany earned its first volleyball state title a year ago and the road to another title begins Tuesday (Aug. 12).

“We have a talented group returning and looking forward to defending a state title,” Bethany coach Kerri Cagle said in a preseason questionnaire.

The Bronchos (34-4) lost Jaidyn Reid to graduation and Southern Nazarene, but will have six seniors coming back.

Senior outside hitter Skylar Brady has committed to Kansas State. She’s joined by fellow outside hitters Bella Huckaby and Eliana Stewart.

Senior setters include Chloe Evans and Maya McPhaul. Callie Gulikers is a defensive specialist for Bethany.

Juniors Gracee Geissler (libero) and Emma Sailer (middle blocker) also return.

Several newcomers will look to play a role for the Bronchos including senior Reagan Meek(outside hitter, juniors Keyaira Ohern (middle blocker) Kennedy Palmer (defensive specialist) and sophomore Lauren Burrows (outsider hitter and defensive specialist).

Cagle knows a repeat title will be a challenge.

“It’s a different kind of mindset coming into this season because we already know what to expect, but we also know the same teams we have faced in the past are still gonna be really good and really strong, so we can’t just sit back and think it’s gonna be handed to us,” Cagle told The Oklahoman.

UP NEXT

Bethany opens the season Tuesday (Aug. 12) at Weatherford at 6 p.m.

Photographs courtesy of Hunter Sheppard