Lady Bulldogs triumph over Powell in electrifying five-set thriller

The Lady Lovell Bulldog volleyball team hosted the Powell Panthers on Thursday, Oct. 2, in what proved to be one of the most exciting matches of the season so far.

The conference showdown between the longtime rivals drew a packed house, with both student sections and community members filling the gymnasium. The electric atmosphere was everything an athlete dreams of, and the varsity matchup turned out to be a fairytale, movie-worthy finish for the Bulldogs.

The evening began on a strong note as both the freshman and JV teams secured victories, continuing the winning momentum of the Lady Bulldog program.

When the varsity squad took the court, however, things didn’t start smoothly. Lovell struggled to find rhythm early, dropping the first set 25-22. The second set followed a similar pattern until the Bulldogs found their energy and connection, feeding off their roaring student section.

“The energy was at an all-time high for the girls,” said head coach Tera Kostelecky. “They celebrated every point and led the set with their tempo all the way to the finish line.”

Lovell dominated the second set 25-15 to even the match, but the third set slipped away as the Bulldogs battled point-for-point with the Panthers before falling 25-19.

Returning to the south side of the court – where the team’s energy had surged earlier – the Bulldogs roared back to life. With renewed confidence and crisp execution, Lovell stormed through the fourth set 25-10, forcing a decisive fifth.

After winning the coin toss to stay on their “energy side,” the Bulldogs exploded out of the gate. Fueled by passion, teamwork and the roar of the home crowd, they played like a team on a mission.

“The final set was so fun to watch as both a coach and a spectator,” Kostelecky said. “Every girl was on fire and so excited for one another’s accomplishments. It felt like a superhero sports movie. They refused to let a single ball hit the floor.”

The statistics reflected the Bulldogs’ dominance: 88% serving efficiency with 17 aces, 48 kills (42 of them assisted), 66 digs and a season-high 8.5 blocks. The Bulldogs sealed the match with a stunning 15-2 victory in the fifth set.

As the final point dropped, the celebration was one for the books. The sound of cheers echoed through the gymnasium, down the hallway and into the locker room – a well-earned celebration for a team that showed heart, resilience and unity.

Lovell’s win over Powell not only strengthened their conference standing but also showcased the depth, energy and spirit of a team that continues to rise together.

JV Bulldogs first at Roberts

The following Saturday, the JV Lady Bulldogs traveled to Roberts, Montana, for a one-day tournament that tested both endurance and teamwork. Lovell began pool play facing Cody, then Roberts, Terry and Huntley Project. Their strong play throughout the morning earned them a spot in the championship match to close out the day.

It was a long, competitive day of volleyball that allowed every player valuable court time and the opportunity to contribute. The team maintained great chemistry and communication throughout, connecting well on the court and playing as a cohesive unit.

Their efforts paid off as the Bulldogs advanced to the 1st/2nd-place championship, where they defeated Huntley Project in straight sets to earn the first-place plaque.

The victory capped off a weekend that reflected the growing confidence, teamwork and success across all levels of the Lovell volleyball program.

Home match

The Bulldogs will host Thermopolis tonight (Thursday) for a non-conference trio of games at 4, 5 and 6 p.m., then travel to Worland for the annual conference duals Friday and Saturday. Senior Night is Thursday, Oct. 16, as the team hosts Cody.