Lady Bulldogs open season strong

The Lovell Lady Bulldog volleyball team started defense of their state title Saturday with a strong performance at a tournament in Columbus, Montana, battling to a 2-1-1 record. 

The state Champs started this season strongly, leaving the tournament with a 3-1 record.

“The tournament gave us a place to start the season,” head coach Tera Kostelecky said. “We know what we need to work on. Our girls have come a long way and have a whole season ahead of them to keep challenging themselves to be better.”

The first set against Colstrip, Montana displayed the team’s determination as the Lady Bulldogs won 20-9. However, the second set with Colstrip proved more difficult and resulted in the team’s first loss, 20-19. 

Next up for the Lady Bulldogs was Park City, Montana. Lovell swept both sets 20-7, 20-14.

The Lady Bulldogs took on Big Timber, Montana in the final match of pool play, and Lovell dominated the Sheepherders in both sets, 20-12 and 20-11.

Playing in the single-elimination gold bracket, the Lady Bulldogs faced Shepherd, Montana. Shepherd got the best of the team, however, the Lady Bulldogs played with heart leading to scores of 26-24 and 25-21. Kostelecky said the match “allowed us the opportunity to face a Montana state champion team, which we played very well.” 

“We stayed positive and moved as a team this weekend,” Kostelecky said. “We are very pleased with the results. We play Thermopolis Friday and Columbus at home Saturday. We play Cody at home the following Tuesday after Labor Day. All will be exciting matches to watch. We are excited.”

The Lady Bulldogs put up some strong stats as a team Saturday, giving spectators a glimpse of what is to come this season. With a tournament total of 67 kills, 23 aces, 43 digs and 67 assists it’s clear the team is relentless in its determination to win back-to-back state championships.

The Lady Bulldogs swept a strong Class 2A team in the form of the Greybull Lady Buffs in Greybull Tuesday night, 25-20, 25-10, 25-19. They travel to Thermop Friday for matches at 2:30 (freshmen), 3:30 (JVs) and 4:30 p.m., then host Columbus Saturday at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. and Cody Tuesday at 4, 5 and 6 p.m.