Relentless: Lady Bulldogs set their sights on back-to-back state titles

The Lovell Lady Bulldogs expect to meet this season head on and are ready to get to work. As 3A volleyball state champs, the team has set out with a vision, a word they could all focus on for the season. The Lady Bulldogs have settled on the word relentless, fitting for a Bulldog.

The team is led by seven returning seniors, with Kandace Asay, Brooklin Clark, Kindle Collins, Kira Collins, Jenna Hessenthaler, Celeste Lindsay and Kaydree Owens providing the commitment to win back-to-back championships. 

“The seniors embody the qualities of a championship team,” Kostelecky said, adding that the team’s leadership extends past the volleyball court. Juniors Ali Walker and Avery Walker return to the varsity roster, along with sophomore Macie Anderson.

The Bulldogs began practice last week looking like they had just taken a weekend off rather than a year. Picking up where they left off, the 10 returning members of the team understood expectations with confidence and familiarity with each other, Kostelecky said.

Lovell will open the 2026 season at the Columbus, Montana, Tournament, meeting Big Timber, Park City and Colstrip in pool play beginning at 9 a.m. Gold and silver brackets follow pool play. The Lady Bulldogs play a non-conference trio of matches at Greybull Tuesday beginning at 4 p.m.

The freshman team will play in the Powell tournament Saturday.

The Lady Bulldogs “know what they accomplished last year, but they also know that a new season brings a new challenge,” Kostelecky said. “Each practice, each match and each opportunity to improve is another step toward their ultimate goal.”

With relentless determination the team marches on to a successful season.