OWASSO — The first match of the season was a rousing success.

Mallory Hendrix and Journey Staggs are the two most experienced players to return on Meghann Turner’s varsity volleyball team at Owasso High School, and they helped the Lady Rams to a win against Bixby in the fifth set on Tuesday, Aug. 8.

Owasso won the first set 25-10 and Bixby came back to take a 2-1 lead (25-19, 25-19) before the Lady Rams tied it at two sets apiece later in the evening, 25-22 in the fourth.

Owasso won the fifth set 15-12 to start the season 1-0 overall.

Hendrix, a sophomore, will be the featured middle on this team. She can play outside hitter, too, but Turner needs Hendrix’ experience in the middle of the court as a setter and someone who can help keep things together.

Staggs, a junior, plays the outside and blocks at the net.

They got plenty of help Tuesday from a fresh face on the varsity team, sophomore Avery Vancuren.

When Turner moved Mallory out of the middle of the 6-2 formation, she needed someone with good range who could fill that spot. Vancuren did the job.

She flew to the ball for digs and set up a few points for Owasso. She also did well when it came time to serve.

“She’s just a natural athlete,” Turner said. “She has never played club volleyball. Three months in eighth grade and three in ninth grade. If we could get her playing year round…”

Vancuren plays basketball, too. Volleyball just so happens to be going very well right now.

“Mallory helps me a lot and Journey helps, too,” Vancuren said. “Coach Turner and Coach Bhinhar also help me. I just really enjoy it.”

Gabby Gurerrero played as the defensive specialist. She is working in with a handful of players at that position and several others where Owasso is reloading after Chanan Drake, Megan Losoncy and Emma Neighbors graduated in the spring.

The Lady Rams were set to host Broken Arrow on Tuesday and NOAH on Friday at 6:30 p.m. They will also host Sapulpa next Tuesday, Aug. 22 before traveling to Broken Arrow on Aug. 25.