softball
Lady bruins receive post season honors: robbins, daniels nameD to all-state
January 3, 2025
BY BECKY BURCH
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS REPORT
Bartlesville High School’s Isabell Daniels was named to Oklahoma All-State following the Lady Bruins state championship appearance season. (Photos can be purchased at https://beckyburch.zenfolio.com. All proceeds go to support Bartlesville Area Sports.)
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Several Bartlesville softball players received post-season awards.
Lady Bruin head coach Kyle Minton said every award was well deserved, especially All-State recipients Isabell Daniels and Chloe Robbins who are both seniors
“They have put in over the last four years not only during our season, but in the summers and off season has been really impressive.” said Minton.
“Both have worked hard in the weight room, conditioning, and staying several hours late in the summer to improve their hitting and defense,” he added.
The Lady Bruins (28-12) had a stellar season, falling just short of the semifinals in the Class 6A State championship tournament in Oklahoma City in October, 2024.
The following is the list of player awards:
6A-3 All-District
P - Kelsie Yales - Jr
1B - Savannah Alden - Soph
OF - Chloe Robbins - Sr
Utility - Erin Bridendolph - Fresh
Honorable Mention All-District
Lexi Durao - Sr
Isabell Daniels - Sr
Emerson Casey - Sr
Alison Rosson - Soph
Region 12 All-Region
Isabell Daniels - Corner Infield
Chloe Robbins - Outfield
Emerson Casey - Outfield
Lexi Durao-West - Pitcher
All-State
Isabell Daniels - Corner Infield
Chloe Robbins - Outfield
Bartlesville High School’s senior Chloe Robbins was named to Oklahoma All-State following the Lady Bruins state championship appearance season. (Photos can be purchased at https://beckyburch.zenfolio.com. All proceeds go to support Bartlesville Area Sports.)
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Kelsie Yales is nails in the pitching circle but BHS Lady Bruin softball nixed at state
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October 19, 2024
BY MIKE TUPA
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS REPORT
Exactly 170 days after playing in the Class 6A state slowpitch softball tournament, the Lady Bruins of Bartlesville High School returned to the same site Thursday (Oct. 17) to play in the 6A fastpitch state tourney .
In both cases, the Lady Bruins came home early without the Gold Ball.
But they brought home a wealth of experience that might pay off with big dividends in 2025.
In Thursday’s 6A quarterfinal, Owasso squeezed past Bartlesville — which returns seven of its top 12 players this season — in extra innings, 2-0, at Devon Park, formerly known as the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex in Oklahoma City.
Thursday’s fierce battle between Bartlesville and the Owasso Lady Bruins stood tied at the end of regulation, 0-0, thanks to a valiant pitching duel between Bartlesville pitcher Kelsie Yales and her Owasso counterpart Preslee Downing.
But Owasso took advantage of a Lady Bruin error in the top of the eighth to score two unearned runs and hold on for the victory.
Owasso advanced to Friday’s semifinals while Bartlesville’s bodacious campaign ended at 28-12 — the second-most wins this millennium by a Lady Bruin fastpitch team. This scrappy crew also broke the program’s 13-season drought of not qualifying for state.
“This is definitely not the end we wanted,” veteran Lady Bruin skipper Kyle Minton said about the quarterfinal loss. “But I’m so proud of how they competed, and everything they went through to get here. … People don’t see the work they put in day-in-and-day-out. … They don’t see the day-to-day struggles and adversity they go through. It was great to see all those hard hours of work pay off. It was very rewarding.”
During the past half-dozen seasons, Minton has been patiently building the program from the ground up.
During the previous five seasons the team displayed spurts of progress —but registered only one winning record: (2019—9-23; 2020—15-23; 2021—19-15; 2022—17-18; and 2023—13-24).
A variety of bad luck — losing almost an entire offseason of scrimmages to rainouts, injuries, freakish bounces of the ball, crippling errors and other misfortunes — took their toll during those years.
But through it all, Bartlesville girls and coaches kept working hard, gaining experience and building confidence.
All that effort and determined attitude paid off this season.
Minton is grateful for his seven seniors on this year’s team for their role in the growth process and their leadership on game day and at practice and their well-honed skills that made a difference this season.
They included Lexi Durao-West, Isabell Daniels, Parker Fielder, Chloe Robbins, Emerson Casey, Kylee Berry and Gentry Marshall.
Some of key non-seniors who played in Thursday’s quarterfinal should provide a strong foundation next season’s goals are Yales, Maddie Czaja, Erin Bridendolph, Savannah Alden, Madie Nachbor, Lola Redington and Kenzie Denny.
In addition, pitcher Alison Rosson was another vital component in this year’s accomplishments who is slated to be back. And of course other returnees will get an opportunity to contribute next season as well as any incoming freshmen.
“Every year I’ve been here, we’ve had a little bit of a foundation built more and more,” Minton said, adding the returning experience will be crucial next season, although it will be a challenge to replace some of the departing senior talent.
This year’s mix was almost enough to push Bartlesville into its first state semifinal game since 1998.
Despite being novices in the state fastpitch tourney, the Lady Bruins rose to the occasion.
“All year, they did well in big moment games where there’s an adrenaline rush,” Minton said. “I think they like that environment. … They played really well.”
The Lady Bruins out hit Owasso, 5-2, including Redington with two singles, Durao-West with a double and Robbins and Alden with a base hit each.
Nachbor, Briedendolph and Robbins each contributed a sacrifice bunt and Bartlesville would leave five runners stranded.
Yales combined with Nachbor on the complete game (eight-inning) two-hitter, with two walks and seven strikeouts. They didn’t allow an extra base hit.
“Kelsie hit her spots and got ahead in the count,” Minton said, adding a key for her dominance was throwing her change-up for strikes, which made her other offspeed offerings more effective.
Downing hurled a five-hitter, with no walks and eight strikeouts, for Owasso, with Katelynn Knight as her catcher. Jayelle Austin poked both hits for Owasso. She also stole a base and scored one of Owasso’s runs.
This group of Lady Bruins could have one more chance to compete again, depending on how many come out for next spring’s slowpitch season.
Meanwhile, they created a memory of a lifetime during the fall season and also elevated Lady Bruin softball to among the elite programs in the state.
Bartlesville High School's Kelsie Yales (18) pitches to an Owasso batter during Class 6A tournament in Oklahoma City on Oct. 17, 2024. Owasso defeated the Lady Bruins, 2-0, in eight innings.
Photo courtesy of Hugh Scott
The Bartlesville High School softball dugout watches Class 6A state softball action against Owasso in Oklahoma City on Oct. 17, 2024. Owasso won, 2-0, in eight innings.
Photo courtesy of Hugh Scott
Bartlesville High School's Savannah Alden warms up between innings of Class 6A state softball action in Oklahoma City on Oct. 17, 2024. Owasso won, 2-0, in eight innings.
Photo courtesy of Hugh Scott
Bartlesville softball starts state quest Thursday
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October 15, 2024
BY MIKE TUPA
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS REPORT
Bartlesville High School's Savannah Alden (22), left, Lexi Durao (9), Madie Nachbor (51) and Isabell Daniels (17) pause during the National Anthem prior to earlier season action. The Lady Bruins play in the Class 6A state tournament at Oklahoma City’s Devon Park Complex on Thursday (Oct. 17). Bartlesville (28-11) and Owasso (29-6) will meet at 5 p.m. on the Integris Field (No. 4).
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Bartlesville High School's shortstop Erin Bridendolf (4) turns a double play, as second baseman Lola Redington (20 looks on during earlier season action. The Lady Bruins play in the Class 6A state tournament on Thursday (Oct, 17).
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Examiner Enterprise
Now begins the final stretch in the quest by Bartlesville High School’s softball team for a gold ball.
On Thursday (Oct. 17) the Lady Bruins and Owasso High School Lady Rams will tangle in a winner-only-advances quarterfinal drama.
The stage will be Oklahoma City’s Devon Park Complex, formerly known as the USA Softball Hall of Fame, located down the road from Remington Park.
Bartlesville (28-11) and Owasso (29-6) will meet at 5 p.m. on Thursday on the Integris Field (No. 4).
The winner advances to Friday’s semifinal at 1:30 p.m., to play Thursday’s Moore (27-7)-Yukon (21-12) winner
In the other bracket, Choctaw (29-5) plays Stillwater (18-18) at 10 a.m. Thursday, followed by Mustang (27-8) vs. Edmond Memorial (24-12) at noon.
Friday’s semifinals times are 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The championship showdown gets underway at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Three of the teams are tied for No. 1 seeds — Choctaw, Moore and Owasso.
Rounding out the seeding are Mustang (No. 4), Edmond Memorial (No. 5), Yukon (No. 6), Bartlesville (No. 7) and Stillwater (No. 8).
Bartlesville is making its first state appearance since 2010, during Johnathan Sheffield’s final year as head coach. The Lady Bruins went 0-2 in that year’s state tourney — which had a double-elimination format back then. In 2009, Bartlesville finished 2-2 at state and 29-12 overall.
This year’s Lady Bruin team is guided by Kyle Minton, a patient, persistent manager that has steadily developed young talent and seasoned it through challenging games, obtainable goals, a slowpitch softball program in the spring and encouraging his players to compete on summer traveling teams.
The Lady Bruins have some familiarity with some of the other eight quarterfinalists:
— Sand Springs. Bartlesville won the only encounter, 10-4 (Sept. 30).
— Owasso. The Lady Rams swept Bartlesville, 10-0 and 8-0. But, that was back in August, before Bartlesville began to hit its stride.
— Choctaw. Choctaw won the two meetings by one run, 8-7 (Aug. 15) and 4-3 (Sept. 3).
Bartlesville didn’t play Moore, Yukon or Edmond Memorial during the regular season.
Defending state champion Southmoore — who won it all despite being seeded No. 7 — didn’t qualify this year for state. Last year’s other finalist, Broken Arrow, also was left out in the cold.
Bartlesville won its last state crown exactly 40 years ago, in 1984. The Lady Bruins last made the state championship game in 1998.
One of Bartlesville’s biggest strengths is its quality pitching staff of Lexi Durao, Alison Rosson and Kelsie Yales. Madie Nachbor has handled most of the catching duties.
Chloe Robbins has energized the offense in the one-hole. During a recent six-game stretch she stole seven bases and scored five runs.
Some other main offensive contributors have included Emerson Casey, Isabell Daniels, Parker Fielder, Maddie Czaja, Kenzie Denny, Savannah Alden, Kenzie Denny, Durao, Nachbor, Lola Redington and Erin Bridendolph.
Redington has swung one of the hottest bats in late September and early October. In six games she batted nearly .500 (8-of-17), drove in six runs and belted two doubles and a homer.
Bartlesville High School's softball head coach Kyle Minton hits to outfielders prior to an earlier season game. The Lady Bruins begin in the Class 6A state tournament at Oklahoma City’s Devon Park Complex on Thursday (Oct. 17). Bartlesville (28-11) and Owasso (29-6) will meet at 5 p.m. on the Integris Field.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
BIG DANCE CHANCE!: BHS Lady Bruins charge into state for first time since 2010
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October 10, 2024
BY MIKE TUPA
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS REPORT
Bartlesville High School’s players pause during the National Anthem prior to softball action in Bartlesville. The Lady Bruins qualified for the Class 6A state tournament after sweeping Class 6 A regionals held in Ponca City Oct. 9-10.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Bartlesville High School's Chloe Robbins (4) catches a ball hit to left field during softball action earlier in the season. Bartlesville qualified for the Class 6A state tournament after sweeping Class 6 A regionals held in Ponca City Oct. 9-10.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Examiner Enterprise
Bartlesville High School softball personnel and their fans are celebrating like it’s 2010.
That was the last time the Lady Bruin program qualified for the Class 6A state tournament — until Thursday (Oct. 10).
Riding on the strength of pitcher Alison Rosson’s three-hitter, Bartlesville buried Edmond North, 6-1, in their 6A regional final hosted by Ponca City.
“I’m pretty proud of them,” Bartlesville head coach Kyle Minton said. “We walked at the beginning of the week about what our plan was and they went out and executed it better than we could have imagined.”
With that victory the scrappy girls dressed in Blue & White broke Bartlesville’s 14-season state tourney drought. They also improved to 28 wins — the second-most single-season victories in this millennium. With one more win they will tie the 2003 powerhouse squad (29-10) for the most season victories.
Rosson and her batterymate Madie Nachbor needed just 77 pitches — 65 of them strikes — to smother the Edmond North offense. Rosson’s stats also included no walks and six strikeouts.
Edmond North recorded its lone tally on C. Scheirer’s solo homer in the bottom of the second to take a 1-0 lead.
Bartlesville batters answered immediately and throughout the game assaulted the ball with an unflappable fury.
Six different Lady Bruins crushed extra-base hits, led by Savannah Alden and Lexi Durao with a homer apiece. Nachbor contributed a triple and Maddie Czaja, Emerson Casey and Lola Redington each lashed a double.
Durao, Alden and Redington drove in two runs each; courtesy runner Kenzie Denny scored twice.
Casey, Alden, Nachbor and Redington pounded two hits apiece.
Bartlesville batters struck only once.
A crucial key for Bartlesville’s success so far this season has been its three-headed pitching monster — Rosson, Durao and Kelsie Yales.
Each member of this titanic trio possesses the ability and presence to excel against all levels of competition.
“It’s a nice problem to have,” Minton said about finding innings for his three strong-armed throwers. “Not many times have that. We’re able to have fresh pitchers all the time. … I would say we can throw any of them out there at any time they can shut down anyone.”
Rosson brings a feisty intensity to the circle.
“Her mentality going into big games is strong and our other players feed off that,” he said. “When we put her out there we knew how mentally she goes about those games. She competes really hard.”
He also praised the development of Nachbor as a rugged, tough, savvy catcher.
“She does a great job of handling all of them (pitchers),” Minton said.
That asset that sets this team apart from other Lady Bruin groups is its ability to take occasional mistakes in stride and keep battling hard without a drop-off in performance, he said.
“Learning how to win is the biggest thing,” he summarized.
Next up, Bartlesville feeds off its lessons and experience to rev up for the state tourney, starting Thursday (Oct. 17) at Devon Park, formerly known as the USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium, in Oklahoma City.
It seats 13,000 spectators and also is the annual site of the Women’s College World Series.
Tickets may be purchased online, starting Monday (Oct. 14), on the OSSAA.com website. Admission is $10 plus a $1.50 free.
The format features eight teams in a single-elimination format. The quarterfinals are planned for Thursday (Oct. 17), followed by the semifinals (Oct. 18) and championship game (Oct. 19).
The 2010 Lady Bruins went two-and-out at state, but the 2009 squad carved out a 2-2 record at the Big Dance.
Bartlesville has won two state softball championships — 1982 (4A) and 1984 (4A).
In addition, Bartlesville Sooner High School earned the state crown in 1980.
The 1998 Lady Bruin team advanced to the championship game, in which it lost in a nailbiter to Broken Arrow. The 2003 Lady Bruins streaked to 29 wins before being eliminated in the state quarterfinals by Tulsa Union.
Bartlesville High School's Alison Rosson pitches during earlier season softball action. The Lady Bruins qualified for the Class 6A state tournament after sweeping Class 6 A regionals held in Ponca City Oct. 9-10.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
BARTLESVILLE softball just 1 win from first state appearance since 2010
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October 10, 2024
BY MIKE TUPA
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS REPORT
Bartlesville High School's Madie Nachbor (51) looks to head coach Kyle Minton during softball action earlier in the season. The Lady Bruins play Thursday (Oct. 10) at Ponca City for a chance to go to the Class 6A state championship.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Bartlesville High School's Isabell Daniels (17) gets a hit during softball action earlier in the season. The Lady Bruins play Thursday (Oct. 10) at Ponca City for a chance to go to the Class 6A state championship.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Examiner Enterprise
After seemingly countless disappointments, hiccups, bad luck, miscues and those agonizing “almost but no happy ending” moments, Bartlesville High School’s softball team is heading into territory where it hasn’t been for 14 years.
With one win on Thursday (Oct. 10), the Lady Bruins (27-11) will earn the program’s first appearance since 2010 in the Class 6A state tournament.
Bartlesville set itself up for Thursday’s opportunity with two huge regional wins Wednesday in Ponca City.
In the opener they buried Edmond North, 11-1, and then outlasted Ponca City in the semifinal, 4-1.
The Lady Bruins return Thursday to Ponca City to play either Edmond North or Ponca City for the regional title — which is the ticket to state.
Ponca City and Edmond North will clash at noon in a semifinal. The winner will play Bartlesville at 2 p.m. for the big prize. Bartlesville is in control — it needs to win either the 2 p.m. or 4 p.m. (if needed) game to wear the regional crown.
For veteran head coach Kyle Minton it’s been a long journey — including a losing record in 2023 and undefinable potential coming into 2024 training camp.
But nearly three months since the first day of practice Bartlesville has bolted to 27 wins — the most by a Lady Bruins’ team since 2010 — and a monstrous first day playoff showing at Ponca City.
“Winning those first two in the regional is big,” Minton said. “It puts us in the driver’s seat. This is something we haven’t done since I’ve been here. It’s a good feeling.”
Bartlesville made its last foray to state in 2010 (27-13) with Jonathan Sheffield as head coach. Senior stars that year included Brandi Schueler, Jerelyn Long, Sadie Reed, Sadie Jacobs, Macy Johnson and Caitlin Day; a year earlier Bartlesville had finished 2-2 at state to pull past the finish line at 26-15.
As mentioned, the current edition of the Lady Bruins need to take care of business Thursday to thunder into state.
Following are summaries of Wednesday’s highlights:
———
BARTLESVILLE 11, Edmond North 1: Lola Redington smashed three hits in her eight-hole spot and Lexi Durao crushed a two-run homer in the first inning to fuel Bartlesville’s win.
Madie Nachbor, Durao, Erin Bridendolph and Savannah Alden each drove in two runs.
Bartlesville also clubbed six doubles — one each by Parker Fielder, Isabell Daniels, Bridendolph, Nachbor, Redington and Alden. Courtesy runner Kenzie Denny scored twice.
Bartlesville struck out only twice.
In addition to her game-winning homer in the first inning, Durao hurled a complete-game four hitter, including one walk and three strikeouts, with Nachbor on the receiving end.
“She did a great job,” Minton said.
R. Wakeland slugged a solo homer for Edmond North and C. Scheirer ripped two hits.
———
BARTLESVILLE 4, Ponca City 1: Chloe Robbins scored two runs — one in the first inning — and Maddie Czaja delivered a two-run single in the fifth to provide Bartlesville pitcher Kelsie Yales with some breathing room, 3-0.
Isabell Daniels added Bartlesville’s other RBI and Robbins finished 2-for-3 at the plate in her leadoff position.
Yales napped off a four hitter with one walk and an eye-popping 12 strikeouts. Ponca City’s run was unearned.
M. Littlecook doubled for Ponca City and A. Ivers drove in J. Colbert for the team’s run.
Bartlesville High School's Lexi Duroa (9) pitches during softball action earlier in the season. The Lady Bruins play Thursday (Oct. 10) at Ponca City for a chance to go to the Class 6A state championship.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Lady Doggers fall just short of super regionals
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October 7, 2024
BY MIKE TUPA
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS REPORT
Dewey High School's first baseman Keirstyn Dunlap records an out during an earlier season softball game in Dewey. The Lady Bulldoggers were one game shy of qualifying for super regionals after falling to Hilldale, 11-6, in Class 4A regionals Oct. 4, 2024.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Gritty Dewey High School softball players transformed what should have been a rebuilding season into a remarkable odyssey.
In fact, they finished just one victory shy of qualifying for the super regionals.
Time and the odds finally caught up with the Lady Doggers and their indomitable spirit.
They lost in Friday’s (Oct. 4) Class 4A regional final — their third game of the day and fifth game in two days — to Hilldale, 11-6.
That result launched Hilldale into the state’s Big Dance and catapulted Dewey into a promising offseason.
Dewey finished at 19-18, including an 8-5 record in their last 13 contests.
Considering Dewey came into the season with several first-year starters, the ending went beyond happy and into the realm of fulfillment.
“I’m proud that for the struggles they went through this season we still made it over .500 and made it to the end game of regional,” said veteran Dewey head coach Niki Keck. “Multiple times we were down by a couple of runs and we fought and did really well.”
Dewey beat Ft. Gibson twice in the regional, 8-4 and 14-7. Dewey also beat Hilldale in the first game in the championship round, 6-4.
But Hilldale captured the decisive game, 11-6.
Kyla Overton smashed a homer in each of the wins against Ft. Gibson. She also drove in seven runs in the 14-7 win on Thursday (Oct. 3).
In Friday’s rematch, Ft. Gibson intentionally walked Londyn Bond four times. After one of those base on balls, Overton stepped up and crushed a three-run homer.
Bond finished the season with 14 homers — very likely a Dewey softball record — and Overton amassed eight.
In the 6-4 win against Hilldale, Reagan White started in the pitching circle “and kept them off balance into the fourth inning,” Keck said. Overton finished up the final 2.2 innings of the game.
Chanley Herren clubbed three hits in the leadoff spot to help energize Dewey’s offensive attack.
Freshman Mattie Wilson added a couple of hits in the five-hole spot and right fielder Kadynce Lavassuer “made some phenomenal defensive plays for us when we needed some outs,” Keck said.
Despite playing five games in about a 36-40 hour period, “I think our kids just really showed a lot of fight and competitiveness,” Keck said. “They knew they had worked so hard to be in this spot. … Their attitude was they were going to do their best.”
Dewey High School's Londyn Bond throws to first base during an earlier season softball game in Dewey. Bond smacked 14 homeruns this season. The Lady Bulldoggers were one game shy of qualifying for super regionals after falling to Hilldale, 11-6, in Class 4A regionals Oct. 4, 2024.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
BHS Lady Bruins surge to 25 diamond wins
October 6, 2024
BY MIKE TUPA
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS REPORT
Bartlesville High School's Chloe Robbins (4) catches a pop fly in the outfield during home softball action against Broken Arrow on Oct. 1, 2024.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Following are summaries of recent Bartlesville High softball action.
———
Bartlesville 4, Collinsville 3
Lexi Durao lashed a triple and drove in a run to help the Lady Bruins reel in their 25th regular season victory and sharpen their attack headed into the Class 6A regionals.
Maddie Nachbor plated another Lady Bruin lead, while Chloe Robbins quietly amassed an amazing game — three hits, two runs scored and three stolen bases.
Madie Czaja added a single, stolen base and scored a run, Parker Fielder reached base, pilfered a bag and also scored.
Alison Rosson, Kelsie Yales and Durao took turns pitching. Yales and Durao threw no-hit ball in relief while Rosson — credited with the win — struck out four batters in four innings.
Collinsville pitcher K. Reid turned in an outstanding effort, as well, scattering six hits and allowing only one earned run.
———
Broken Arrow 3, Bartlesville 0
Earlier last week, a pair of Broken Arrow pitchers C. Lieur and H. Jones combined for a one-hitter to hand Bartlesville a rare shutout loss.
They struck out seven batters.
Isabell Daniels ripped a double for Bartlesville’s lone hit and also was hit by a pitch. Erin Bridendolph drew two walks.
Durao, Rosson and Yales again took turns pitching. Rosson threw two no-hit innings with two strikeouts.
———
Bartlesville 10, Sand Springs 4
The Lady Bruins opened last week with a six-run rout of Charles Page (Sand Springs).
Lola Redington lashed a single, crushed a homer and drove in four runs to lead the noisy offensive assault, which included nine hits.
Nachbor and Bridendolph each contributed two singles.
Also driving in runs were Savannah Alden and Kenzie Denny with one apiece.
Emerson Casey and Redington each scored two runs.
Bartlesville also put on its track shoes to hi-jack nine bases — three by Robbins and two by Fielder.
All three Lady Bruin hurlers — Yales, Durao and Rosson — each saw time in the circle. Yales rang up six strikeouts in four innings, allowed three runs and collected the win. Durao recorded two no-hit innings.
Bartlesville High School's Alison Rosson (3) pitches to a Broken Arrow batter during softball action in Bartlesville on Oct. 1, 2024.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
AREA SOFTBALL REPORT:
Bartlesville storms to 21st win; CV ends season strong at regional
SEPTEMBER 27, 2024
BY MIKE TUPA
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS REPORT
Caney Valley High School's Riley Brooks (9) tags out Barnsdall High School's Jadyn McCauley (7) during softball action in Ramona on Sept. 24, 2024. The Lady Trojans and Lady Panthers seasons both ended in playoffs on Thursday (Sept. 26).
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
No-No?
YES!
No hiding the excitement the Caney Valley softball team felt last Thursday (Sept. 19) when freshman Anderly Edwards twirled a no-hitter against Chelsea. Caney Valley won, 5-0.
Edwards came back a few days later to throw a gem in the Class 2A regionals — but Caney Valley lost in the regional final to see its season end with an excellent 22-12 record and several girls returning next season.
Meanwhile, Bartlesville High School stormed to its first 20-win season during the Kyle Minton-coaching era — and perhaps dating back to 2009 or 2010.
Bartlesville reached the 21-win mark with a 2-1 victory on Monday (Sept. 23) against Preston.
Following are more details of these reports.
__________
BARTLESVILLE 13, PUTNAM CITY 0
Lexi Durao snapped off the one-hit shutout to bolster the Lady Bruins to their first 20-win season during the Kyle Minton coaching era. Madie Nachbor handled catching duties.
Lola Redington crushed two doubles and Nachbor drove in three runs to energize the offense.
Isabell Daniels added two RBIs and Durao ripped a double and drove in a run.
Chloe Robbins and Savannah Alden each plated another tally.
Alden and Daniels both launched sacrifice flies and Erin Bridendolph stole two passes.
After going scoreless the first inning Bartlesville put up runs in each of the remaining innings, including four each in the fourth and fifth.
__________
BARTLESVILLE !3, PUTNAM CITY 0
Alison Rosson fashioned a no-hitter with no walks and four strikeouts with catcher Parker Fielder. Only seven of her pitches were called as balls.
On the offensive side, Bartlesville featured more stars than a night sky on a mountaintop.
Bridendolph and Alden both drove in three runs, Maddie Czaja and Durao plated one run each, Bridendolph homered, Daniels lashed a triple and scored two runs and Fielder doubled.
Robbins, Durao, Bridendolph, Kenzie Denny, Emerson Casey and Alden also each scored at least one run.
Robbins also stole two bases.
BARTLESVILLE 2, PRESTON 1
The Lady Bruins turned to Kelsie Yales to deliver in the circle. She answered by snapping off a six-hitter while striking out eight Preston batters, with Nachbor as her backstop.
Savannah Alden singled home Bridendolph and Casey for both of Bartlesville’s runs.
Casey also pilfered two bases and Bridendolph clubbed a double.
__________
CANEY VALLEY ROLLS TO 3 WINS
The Lady Trojans (18-9) also are putting together one of their most powerful seasons in mid-term memory — especially after they won all three of their games Thursday (Sept. 19) in the Oklahoma Union tournament.
They beat Chelsea, 5-0; Rejoice Christian, 9-0; and the Owasso jayvee, 5-4.
Edwards’ hitless classic against Chelsea — with Roxy Hawkins as her catcher — highlighted the Lady Trojans’ day.
Edwards followed up with a three-hit shutout against Rejoice Christian, with Hawkins again on the receiving end.
Makenzie McCabe twirled the pitching win against the Owasso jayvee while Kalynn Edwards fed her the signs.
Offensively, Riley Brooks “had quite a day,” by delivering approximately a half-dozen hits, including multiple extra-base stingers, Fox noted.
“Everybody contributed,” he added. “It was really pitching and defense that stood out.”
About Caney Valley’s developing monster season, Fox summarized his emotions: “It’s fantastic.”
CANEY VALLEY AT REGIONAL
In the 2A regional semifinal Thursday (Sept. 26) at Fairland, Caney Valley took down Wyandotte, 6-4.
Edwards combined with catcher Hawkins to suppress Wyandotte’s offense.
In the final, Fairland (31-5) outlasted Caney Valley, 5-0.
But that loss felt more like a positive statement for Fox.
This was just the 11th time in the last 26 games an opponent held Fairland to five-or-fewer runs. Considering Fairland starts eight seniors and Caney Valley relies on several underclassmen, Fox felt his young team proved its quality.
“I’m so proud of the girls,” he said. “This was a great building season for the future.”
Junior McCabe pitched strong against Fairland, again with Hawkins as the catcher, Fox said.
He also praised the offensive and defensive work of shortstop Brooks, both with her glove and with her bat.
“She had a fantastic day,” Fox said and recalled a play “were she made a back-hand stop in the hole, fell down on her knees, threw from her knees across the field and got the girl out.”
Caney Valley High School head coach Andy Fox coaches as senior Chloe Rios (7) watches a pitch in softball action against Barnsdall on Sept. 24 in Ramona. The Lady Trojans season ended in playoffs on Thursday (Sept. 26).
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Caney Valley High School's Roxy Hawkins (1) catches during softball action against Barnsdall on Sept. 24, 2024. The Lady Trojans season ended in playoffs on Thursday (Sept. 26).
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Bartlesville High School's Kylee Berry (2) pitches during softball action earlier in the season.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlessville Area Sports
Caney Valley High School's Anderly Edwards (3) pitches to a Barnsdall batter on Sept. 24, 2024 in Ramona. Edwards pitched a no-hitter against Chelsea earlier in the season. The Lady Trojans season ended in playoffs on Thursday (Sept. 26).
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Copan softball team ready for conference tournament
SEPTEMBER 18, 2024
BY BECKY BURCH
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS REPORT
Copan High School's Haley Taggert (34) reacts after hitting a double during softball action at an earlier season home game.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
The Copan softball team begins Class B conference tournament play Thursday (Sept. 19) in Foyil.
The Lady Hornets dropped their home finale to Class 2A Nowata, 16-8, on Tuesday (Sept. 17).
While the Lady Hornets 3-10 record isn’t what head coach Chris Smith had hoped for, he’s still impressed with what his young team has accomplished this season.
“We continue to grow as a team,” said Smith. “We’ve seen progress with our bats and our two senior pitchers have been fighting hard.”
Senior Kamryn Van has thrown most of the season but the defense struggled behind her, according to Smith.
“She has persevered and continued to fight through the challenging times as a pitcher.”
Also lending a hand on the mound is senior Elyzabeth Odum, who is also the Lady Hornet’s main shortstop.
Smith noted Odum’s positive mentality and said she could be a “force at the end of the season".
There is a bevy of freshmen on the Lady Hornets roster, including Haley Taggert who continues to lead at the plate.
Cadee Donaho, Zoey Secondine and Kaley Woodworth have also shown batting improvements since mid-season, according to Smith.
Defensive wise, Smith hopes his team “makes the routine plays and the spectacular ones happen along the way.”
Another key to post-season play is speeding up the bats, said Smith.
Next week, Copan travels to Frontier for districts against Welch and Frontier.
Copan High School's shortstop Elyzabeth Odum looks to first base after tagging out a runner during softball action earlier in the season in Copan.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Dewey softball team handles injuries and youth
SEPTEMBER 18, 2024
BY BECKY BURCH
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS REPORT
Dewey High School's Reagan White (2) pitches in an earlier season home game.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Despite a young roster and injury setbacks, the Dewey High School softball team (11-13) is showing promise and potential for growth this season.
Eighth year veteran coach Niki Keck is optimistic about the remainder of the regular season which wraps up at home on Sept. 30 against Fairland.
“We should have our injured starters back so we are hoping that will help us turn the corner,” said Keck. “Although it has been good for us for some younger players to get some experience in their absence”.
Almost a dozen freshmen fill Keck’s roster, along with seniors Reagan White and McKinsey Allen.
“They (White and Allen) bring great leadership qualities to the team and are great teammates”, said Keck. “They are a large part of any success we may have”.
“Freshmen Abby Schreppel and Kierstyn Dunlap have stepped up offensively during this time for us,” added Keck.
Sophomore Londyn Bond is an infield wall, playing third and shortstop, and is a powerhouse hitter with 10 homeruns in just 15 games at the midpoint of the season.
Keck praised juniors Kyla Overton and Chanley Herren for their performances. Notably, Herren adapted well to her new role as catcher, working effectively with pitchers White and Overton.
Dewey's 11-13 record may be deceiving, as the Lady Bulldoggers have lost seven of those games by two runs or less, according to Keck.
With only four regular season games left, Keck is hoping for a strong run in the Class 4A playoffs.
“We are a very talented team that just hasn't been able to put it all together consistently this season,” said Keck.
Closing out September, the Lady Doggers face Bristow, Oologah-Talala, Verdigris and Fairland.
Keck is no stranger to a DHS softball uniform, playing in 2007-2009. She is assisted by Jason Escalante and Michael Sanders, who heads up the junior high team.
Dewey High School's Londyn Bond (9) reacts after a collision in the infield during earlier season softball action in Dewey.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Dewey High School's Kadynce LaVassure (8) is caught between second and third base during softball action earlier in the season.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
CV, Bartlesville zap to milestone wins
SEPTEMBER 5, 2024
BY MIKE TUPA
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS REPORT
Caney Valley High School's Makenzie McCabe (5) pitches to a South Coffeyville batter in Ramona on Sept. 10, 2024.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Vroom!
Vroom!
Screech!
Those sounds are brought to you by the Bartlesville High School softball team as it peeled out from last week’s losing streak and zoomed to its 17th win — four more victories than in all of last year.
And, these wallop-a-lashing Lady Bruins have 20 wins — or more — well within reach. That would be big — finding a Lincoln under the couch cushion big.
Meanwhile, the Caney Valley Lady Trojans also have blitzed to success through the first five weeks of the season. On Tuesday (Sept. 10), they achieved their 12th win.
Following are summaries of recent area softball battles.
CANEY VALLEY
Following a string of challenging seasons, the Lady Trojans are surfing on a wave of a success so far this year.
They improved to 12-6 with Tuesday’s (Sept. 10) 11-2 rout of South Coffeyville.
“They are young but they work their tails off,” veteran Caney Valley softball coach Andy Fox said. “We’ve had the best start we’ve had in years. … They’re fantastic. They’re an exciting group of young kids and veterans. It’s been very exciting to watch them grow.”
Veteran pitcher Makenzie McCabe hurled the victory Tuesday night, utilizing her patented change-up to its maximum effect.
“She’s fantastic,” Fox said about the junior righty. “She mixes the locations well.”
Roxy Hawkins handled catching duties.
Riley Brooks brought an especially hot stick to the battle, crushing a two-run single in the first inning to energize the offensive thrust.
Chloe Rios ripped a double to ignite another rally.
A few other key players for the Lady Trojans are freshman pitcher Anderly Edwards, who also is hitting close to .500 at the leadoff spot, and Kalynn Edwards, who bats in the three-hole and is a multi-talented utility player,
Fox characterized his whole team as “an inspirational group.”
BARTLESVILLE
Tuesday (Sept. 10): BARTLESVILLE 11, Edmond Santa Fe 3 — Isabell Daniels slammed a homer, three singles and drove in three runs to fuel the attack. Emerson Casey added two doubles and three RBIs while Chloe Robbins lashed a double and two singles and scored two runs. Madie Nachbor added three singles and a RBI. Lexi Durao, Erin Bridendolph and Savannah Alden each drove in one run. Kelsie Yales fashioned a five-hitter while fanning eight batters with Nachbor as her catcher. The Lady Bruins still have more than 10 scheduled games to hand veteran head coach Kyle Minton his first 20-win season. His previous single-season high is 19 wins.
_________
Monday (Sept. 9): BARTLESVILLE 4, Pryor 1 — Daniels ripped a double and a single and drove in two runs to spark the offense. Bridendolph added a double, single and a run. Robbins and Alden also each drove in a run. Durao snapped off the one-hitter with Parker Fielder as her catcher.
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Saturday (Sept. 7): BARTLESVILLE 9, Bixby 3 — Bartlesville took advantage of six Bixby errors and the powerful wand of Emerson Casey. Casey crushed a double and a triple and drove in three runs. Alden added a double and two RBI’s, while Daniels and Maddie Czaja each plated one run. Yales pitched the distance, scattering five hits and striking out five batters. Nachbor handled catching duties.
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Saturday (Sept. 7): BARTLESVILLE 6, Coweta 3 — Casey punished the opposing pitcher with a triple, double and one RBI. Robbins tacked on two hits and two RBIs, while Czaja singled, doubled and plated a run. Also recording one RBI was Daniels, who ripped a double. Alison Rosson pitched a five-hitter and surrendered only one earned run while Fielder caught.
_________
Friday (Sept. 6): BARTLESVILLE 5, Durant 2 — Bridendolph and Robbins both hammered three hits to fuel the offense. Nachbor, Durao, Casey and Daniels each drove in a run. Rosson and Durao contributed a double apiece. Rosson also snapped off a five-hitter with Nachbor as her receiver. They combined on a five-hitter with no walks and seven K’s.
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Friday (Sept. 6): Preston 3, BARTLESVILLE 0 — Preston pitcher T. Starr unleashed a one-hitter with 12 strikeouts to short circuit Bartlesville’s normally electrifying offense. Casey spanked a single for the Lady Bruins’ lone hit and Robbins reached base as a hit batsman. Durao suffered the hard-luck hurling loss despite allowing only one earned run and striking out four.
(Publishers note: An article with photos on the Dewey Lady Bulldoggers softball season is planned for this weekend or early next week.)
Caney Valley High School's Riley Brooks (9) is safe at second base during softball action against South Coffeyville in Ramona on Sept. 10, 2024.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Caney Valley High School's Chloe Rios (7) tracks a ground ball during softball action against South Coffeyville on Sept. 10, 2024. The Lady Trojans are led by veteran head coach Andy Fox.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Bartlesville High School's Erin Bridendolph (5) gets an out at second, as Lola Redington (20) scoots out of the way in softball action against Pryor in Bartlesville on Sept. 10, 2024.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Bartlesville High School's Chloe Robbins (4) is safe at second base in softball action against Pryor in Bartlesville on Sept. 10, 2024.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
BHS SOFTBALL ROUNDUP: Lady Bruins nail down 12th win
SEPTEMBER 5, 2024
BY MIKE TUPA
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS REPORT
Bartlesville High School's Savannah Alden (22) awaits a throw to first base as an Owasso coach watches during softball action earlier this season in Bartlesville.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Bartlesville High School’s softball team — which is coached by Kyle Minton — needs just two more victories to surpass all of last year’s win total. The Lady Bruins (12-7) watched a golden chance for their 13th triumph slip away Tuesday (Sept. 3) in a one-run loss to Choctaw. The Lady Bruins also fell below .500 (3-4) in district play for the first time this season.
But they have plenty of opportunity the next two weeks to merge back onto Victory Highway. A couple of key games coming up include a home showdown on Monday (Sept. 9) against Pryor and a road district test on Tuesday (Sept. 10) at Edmond Santa Fe.
Following is a look at some of Bartlesville’s games the past week.
FRANCIS-HOWELL 2, BARTLESVILLE 1
Kelsie Yales turned in another circle classic, giving up no earned runs and fanning nine batters in the out-of-state tourney in St. Louis.
But the Bartlesville offense managed just one run — with Erin Bridendolph driving home Chloe Robbins during a sixth-inning rally.
Robbins finished with two hits and Lexi Durao contributed a double. Isabell Daniels and Savannah Alden each singled. Bartlesville left six runners stranded.
Maddie Czaja produced a sacrifice.
E. Cabo recorded Francis-Howell’s only RBI. H. Lohse collected the pitching win.
BARTLESVILLE 7, LAFAYETTE 3
Durao and Alison Rosson shared pitching duties, allowing only five hits, two walks and two earned runs between them, while Parker Fielder labored as their receiver.
Durao spanked a homer and drove in two runs. Daniels added a single and three RBIs. Czaja and Emerson Casey belted a double and triple, respectively, and drove in one run apiece.
Robbins nabbed two bases and scored two runs, helping Bartlesville surge to a 6-2 lead in the first two innings.
CHOCTAW 4, BARTLESVILLE 3
This was a tough one. Bartlesville flexed its muscles in the first inning to take a 3-0 lead — all of them on Bridenolph’s three-run dinger. (Kenzie Denny, Durao and Bridendolph all scored on the shot.)
But the Lady Bruins then put up a string of six-straight goose-eggs, opening the door for the Choctaw Lady Yellowjackets to slip by them by the end.
Ouch! What really stung was Bartlesville’s LOB (left on base) number: 8.
Durao, Bridendolph, and Lola Redington each ripped two hits. Robbins added a sacrifice. Contributing a single apiece were Robbins, Madie Nachbor and Czaja.
Yales suffered the tough-luck pitching loss after striking out nine and allowing only one earned run while Nachbor handled catching duties.
Bartlesville High School's Lexi Durao-West (9) gets safely back to first base after a throw from Choctaw's catcher on Sept. 3, 2024 in Bartlesville.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Bartlesville High School's Parker Fielder (28) listens to head coach Kyle Minton during softball action earlier this season in Bartlesville.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Area diamond squads trying to find traction going into September
AUGUST 28, 2024
BY MIKE TUPA
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS REPORT
Bartlesville High School's senior Chloe Robbins (4) bats against Owasso in Bartlesville on Aug. 27, 2024. The Lady Bruins are now 11-5 on the season.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Bartlesville High School’s softball team is definitely grinding forward through its safari to success. But that doesn’t mean they can avoid every pitfall.
They tumbled into one at the start of this week, losing back-to-back games to district powerhouse Owasso, 10-0 and 8-0.
Even so, the Lady Bruins (11-5) still have won more than two-thirds of their games and gotten perhaps the roughest stretch of their schedule.
Next up, they travel this weekend to St. Louis for.a Labor Day Weekend Festival.
Veteran Lady Bruin head coach Kyle Minton has guided Bartlesville to within just two wins of their victory total for all of last season. The record through 16 games in 2023 was 6-10.
After they return from St. Louis, the Lady Bruins are slated to play host on Sept. 3 to Choctaw and on Sept. 9 to Pryor.
DEWEY
The Lady Doggers have burst to a winning record (6-5) in the first two weeks, including a 3-1 district record.
Following this weekend’s Dewey Festival, the Lady Doggers will play host on Sept. 3 to Vinita in a 5 p.m. contest.
CANEY VALLEY
The Lady Trojans have crusaded to a 4-4 mark in the first 15 days, including a district win against Chouteau.
OKLAHOMA UNION
Through their first 10 games the Lady Cougars clawed out a 6-4 record, with one district win against Nowata.
NOWATA
Nowata is off to a tough start at 0-6.
COPAN
Copan is 1-5.
BARNSDALL
Barnsdall (4-6) has muscled out a 3-2 record in its last five outings.
It outscored Copan and Bluejacket in back-to-back games, 25-7.
PAWHUSKA
Pawhuska’s record stood at 4-6 through its first 10 games.
Bartlesville High School's freshman Erin Bridendolph (5) turns a double play against Owasso in Bartlesville on Aug. 27, 2024. The Lady Bruins are now 11-5 on the season.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
copan softball finding their way
AUGUST 28, 2024
BY BECKY BURCH
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS REPORT
Copan High School’s senior Kamryn Van (22) pitches to a South Coffeyville batter during softball action in Copan earlier in the season.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Despite a slow start, interim head softball coach Chris Smith is optimistic about what the rest of the season may bring as his standing-room-only dugout team, consisting of mostly young players, continues near the midpoint.
The Lady Hornets notched a solid 7-6 win over Bluejacket at the Copan Softball Tournament (Aug. 15-17), a promising sign despite their current record with more losses than wins.
“We haven’t hit our stride yet,” said Smith. “We are still processing new coaching and trying to find our way at the plate.”
Smith is leading the Lady Hornets while next year’s full-time coach Ashleigh McCause graduates from college in December. McCause is currently assisting Smith, as is Amanda Gosnell.
The coaching trio is looking to seniors Kamyrn Van and Elyzabeth Odum to lead the Lady Hornets on the mound. Odum also provides a consistent infield defensive wall at shortstop.
“They are putting in tons of work and it will pay off soon,” said Smith, who is also impressed by freshman Hailey Taggert.
“She’s made several adjustments and continues to be a dominant hitter at the plate.
This isn’t the only time Smith, who is the Copan Public Schools Superintendent, has coached the softball team. In 2019, he led the Lady Hornets to a 20-4 record and a district win. That group included standouts Andrea Blum, Toni Stewart and Kolby O’Rourke.
Next up, the Lady Hornets travel to Prue (Aug. 29) and Welch (Aug. 31), followed by a rematch with Welch at home on Sept. 5.
Copan High School’s Kaylee Woodworth (18) slides into home plate during softball action against South Coffeyville in Copan earlier in the season.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Bartlesville softball surges to 7th win behind strong hitting Daniels
AUGUST 20, 2024
BY MIKE TUPA
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS REPORT
Bartlesville High School's Emereson Casey (11) heads back to the dugout after scoring a run during earlier season softball action. The Lady Bruins defeated Edmond Santa-Fe, 5-3, on Aug. 20, 2024, in Bartlesville.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Bartlesville High School softball players celebrated Tuesday (Aug. 21) like it was September.
Who could blame them after they improved to 7-2 — reaching the seven-win mark two weeks earlier than last season.
Isabell Daniels ripped a double and two singles and drove in a run to help energize Bartlesville to best visiting Edmond Santa Fe, 5-3.
Madie Nachbor added a double and single and two RBIs. Chloe Robbins and Erin Bridendolph also each plated at tally.
In addition to Daniels, contributing multiple hits were Maddie Czaja, Robbins and Nachbor. Lexi Durao-West added a double and Parker Fielder galloped home twice as a courtesy runner.
Durao handled most of the pitching duties, scattering six hits, allowed three runs and striking out three in 4.1 innings. Alison Rosson relieved her in the final 2.2 innings to earn the save. Rosson struck out five of the nine batters she faced.
Kyle Minton has guided Bartlesville to one of its hottest starts in the past several years.
A year ago, the Lady Bruins owned a 1-8 record through nine games and wouldn’t record their seventh win until the 22nd game.
NOTE: One of Minton’s assistant coaches is Caroline Pattison, who excelled as a pitcher during her Lady Bruin career and went to turn in a solid college softball career.
Bartlesville High School's Isabell Daniels (17) leads off of second base during earlier season action. Daniels had a double and two singles to help the Lady Bruins defeat Edmond Santa-Fe, 5-3, on Aug. 20, 2024, in Bartlesville.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
YELL for Yales: BHS veteran hurler snaps off perfect no-no
AUGUST 19, 2024
BY MIKE TUPA
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS REPORT
Bartlesville High School's Kelsie Yales (18) threw a perfect game to lead the Lady Bruins to an 8-0 win over Sapulpa on Aug. 19, 2024 in Bartlesville. The Lady Bruins also defeated Cleveland.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Less than a week into the season, the Bartlesville High School softball team already has racked up the same number of wins it recorded during all of August 2023.
And, there’s more than a week-and-a-half remaining until September.
During their Aug. 19 home opening doubleheader, the Lady Bruins — who are guided by veteran skipper Kyle Minton — blew away two foes to improve to 6-2.
In fact, Bartlesville fans had plenty to yell about — especially with Yales in the circle.
Veteran pitcher Kelsie Yales snapped off a perfect game (three strikeouts) to power the Lady Bruins past Sapulpa, 8-0.
Following are more details about this contest and the other victory.
BARTLESVILLE 8, SAPULPA 0: Yales needed to throw just 34 pitches to close out her classic coup. Madie Nachbor hunkered down at catcher to complete the perfect union.
While Yales, Nachbor and the defense smothered Sapulpa like a steel blanket, seven Lady Bruins contributed hits to the blazing offensive effort.
Emerson Casey, Savannah Alden, Erin Bridendolph and Isabell Daniels each clobbered a double; Daniels, Bridendolph and Alden each drove in two runs. Chloe Robbins and Lola Redington each plated one tally.
Lexi Durao-West also contributed to the hitting total.
BARTLESVILLE 13, CLEVELAND 2: Kylee Berry turned in a cherry of a pitching performance, holding Cleveland to just four hits and no walks, while Parker Fielder handled catching duties.
Bartlesville batters, meanwhile, walloped the ball with rugged regularity.
Bridendolph crushed a homer and drove in four runs to spearhead the offensive splurge.
Daniels, Casey, Alden, Robbins and Redington contributed a double apiece; Alden drove in two runs.
Redington, Daniels, Bridendolph, Alden and Kenzie Denny lashed two hits apiece, while Robbins, Daniels, Durao-West and Casey each drove in a run.
Bartlesville High School's Kylee Berry (2) pitches to a Cleveland batter during softball action on Aug. 19, 2024 in Bartlesville. The Lady Bruins defeated Sapulpa and Cleveland.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Bartlesville High School's Erin Bridendolph (5) is safe at second base in softball action against Cleveland on Aug. 19, 2024 in Bartlesville. The Lady Bruins also defeated Sapulpa.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Yales nails down shutout to lift BHS Lady Bruins
AUGUST 16, 2024
BY MIKE TUPA
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS REPORT
Bartlesville High School's Emerson Casey (11) bats during a last season game.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Three days into the season and the Bartlesville High School’s softball team is off like a rocket compared to a year ago at this time.
With two wins Aug. 16, the Lady Bruins improved to 3-1 — compared to 2023 when they didn’t record their third win until the 11th game.
Kyle Minton is looking to guide the team to its second winning season in three years and also back to the state tournament for the first time since 2010.
Following are summaries, in order, of Bartlesville's last three contests.
CHOCTAW 8, BARTLESVILLE 7: The host Lady Yellowjackets forced home four runs in the fourth inning and barely hung on.
Lexi Durao-West and Lola Redington each ripped a double to help fuel Bartlesville’s offensive assault. Redington drove in three runs, followed by Durao, Erin Bridendolph, Emerson Casey and Savannah Alden with one RBI each.
Isabell Daniels contributed two hits and scored a team-leading two runs.
Durao suffered the pitching loss in 3.1 innings. Kelsie Yales finished up the final 2.2 frames.
H. Grice plated two runs for Choctaw.
BARTLESVILLE 8, BRIDGE CREEK 0: Yales snapped off the two-hit shutout while striking out four.
Alden walloped a homer and drove in three runs; Madie Nachbor added a double and single and plated three runs.
Chloe Robbins singled, walked twice, stole three bases and scored three times. Maddie Czaja contributed one stolen base.
BARTLESVILLE 5, NORMAN 4: This thriller went down to the final inning. Norman pumped three runs across the plate in the top of the final inning to tie the score, 4-4.
Bartlesville squeezed home a run in the bottom of the frame to win it.
Alden, Robbins, Czaja and Bridendolph each drove home one run. Durao and Daniels contributed a double and triple, respectively.
Robbins, Daniels, Casey, Redington and Parker Fielder scored a run apiece. Kenzie Denny recorded one of five steals by the team.
Alison Rosson hurled the complete game, fashioning a six-hitter with one walk and two strikeouts.
Bartlesville High School's Lola Redington (20) heads to second base during a last season game.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
BHS Lady Bruin bats come out smokin' in season opener
AUGUST 13, 2024
BY MIKE TUPA
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS REPORT
Bartlesville High School's Lexi Durao-West (9) pitches during last season softball action. BHS defeated Deer Creek 15-4 on the road in their season opener on August 12, 2024.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
A sumptuous veteran flavor should provide a recipe for happy times this fall season for the Bartlesville High School varsity softball team.
The Lady Bruins — who are led by longtime head coach Kyle Minton — dismantled host Deer Creek High School, 15-4, in their Aug. 12 opener in what might have been a tasty appetizer of a banquet of success for the campaign.
First-year Lady Bruin varsity player Erin Bridendolph mashed a homer, triple and double and drove in five runs to single-handedly outscore Deer Creek.
Madie Nachbor, Lexi Durao-West and Savannah Alden each plated two runs, followed by Isabell Daniels and Emerson Casey with one apiece.
Meanwhile, Bartlesville batters unleashed a tidal wave of extra-base hits. In addition to Bridendolph's double, triple and homer, Daniels and Lola Redington each homered and Robbins ripped a double.
Maddie Czaja, Kenzie Denny and Robbins contributed a stolen base apiece.
Battle-tested pitcher Kelsie Yales and Durao split time in the circle. Yales scattered six hits and didn’t allow a walk in four innings; Durao tossed a perfect inning of relief.
Minton’s crew will be looking to bounce back from a 13-24 record last season, which was due mostly to a slow start. The 2023 Lady Bruin squad started out at 1-8, but turned it around to finish 12-16 the rest of the season.
Last year the Lady Bruins fell twice to Deer Creek, 6-1 and 2-1, in their 15th and 24th games, respectively.
The Lady Bruins are just three seasons removed from a winning record (19-15, 2021). They have won 65 games since the beginning of the 2020 season.
Last year’s returning leaders include: Robbins (.383, 1 2B, 5 RBIs,18 Rs), Daniels (.321, 6 2Bs, 7 RBIs, 20 Rs, 7 BBs, 5 HBPs), Casey (.311, 5 2Bs, 18 RBIs, 14 Rs), and Durao (.310, 10 2Bs, 3 HRS, 17 RBIs). Nachbor batted .313 and drove in four runs in limited varsity plate appearances last season.
Yales and Durao turned in strong pitching performances last season. Durao made 11 appearances, including nine starts, whittled out a 3.19 earned run average and walked only 10 batters in 50.1 innings. Yales worked a team-high 71.0 innings (17 appearances, 14 starts) and registered a 5.32 ERA.
Bartlesville will be battling to earn its first state tourney appearance since 2010.
Bartlesville High School's Isabell Daniels (17) looks to make a double play during last season softball action. BHS defeated Deer Creek 15-4 on the road in their season opener on August 12, 2024.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
Bartlesville High School's Savannah Alden (22) rips a base hit during last season softball action. BHS defeated Deer Creek 15-4 on the road in their season opener on August 12, 2024.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports