Sports
Bronco volleyballers return three starters

Caleb Soptelean

Ivy Riggs returns for her fifth year as head coach of the Mustang volleyball team.

Returning starters Courtney Bridges, Chelsea Scott and Karena Van Horn will be counted on to provide team leadership.

Bridges is a middle blocker, while Scott and Van Horn are left-side hitters.

“It should be a learning year,” Riggs said, noting last year’s team had a record above .500 and lost to state runnerup Norman North in the regional tourney.

“With as many seniors we graduated last year (eight), I’m anxious to see how we’ll do. I’m pretty happy with what we’ve seen in (two) scrimmages.”

Others starters include junior setter Courtney Ketch and junior middle blocker Caitlin Bernhardt.

Juniors Abby Elizardo and Taylor Bowdish will split time at right-side hitter.

Senior Brittney Benivamontez and junior Rebekah Fream will see significant time in the back row.

Other varsity team member include seniors Tessa Stewart, Kim Laplant and Samantha Chavez. Stewart and Laplant are back row specialists, and Chavez is a right-side hitter.

Will Allen will coach the junior varsity, while Karen Bridges will mentor the frosh.

The Broncos’ first game is Tuesday, Aug. 22 at home against Del City.

They will play in a tournament at Norman on Aug. 23 before coming hosting Mount St. Mary’s on Aug. 24.