Lady Bulldogs volleyball ready to begin season with young, deep squad

The Lovell Lady Bulldogs volleyball program is gearing up for an exciting season under the leadership of head coach Tera Kostelecky, who is confident in her team’s depth, unity and competitive edge.

With 28 athletes coming out for the program this year, the roster features a
strong mix of experience and fresh energy coming in. There are 11 freshmen, nine sophomores, nine juniors and only one senior on the roster this season.

While the Lady Bulldogs are considered a young team, Coach Kostelecky emphasizes that every player in the program carries weight.

“All of our players are key players,” Kostelecky said. “Not one is more key than another. Both in practice and in games, every player contributes—whether that’s helping teammates improve or scoring points with a block or a kill. Every one of our kids is essential to our
program.”

The team has been putting in the work early on, with a balance of conditioning and skill development. Morning sessions have been focused on fitness, while afternoon practices emphasize technique and game-specific drills.

Coach Kostelecky sees the Lady Bulldogs’ youth and experience at state-level play as both a strength and a motivating factor.

“Our strength is that we are a young team,” she explained. “We’ve seen
the state floor, and we’re ready for it this year. We know what it’s like to win and compete, and we’re ready to start a new legacy for Lovell volleyball. Our bench is deep, our players are strong in their positions and we will hold one another up no matter who is on the court.”

The Lady Bulldogs open their season this weekend with a full slate of action. The freshman team travels to Powell on Saturday for a round-robin
competition, while the JV and varsity squads head to Lander on Friday, facing Wyoming Indian at 10 a.m. and Big Piney at 3 p.m.

The varsity team will then travel north for their season-opening tournament in Columbus, Montana, beginning Saturday at 9 a.m. The Bulldogs will play in pool play against Red Lodge, Huntley and Big Timber before moving into a true single-elimination bracket. The field includes high-level competition from programs such as Columbus, Park City, Bridger, Colstrip, Shepherd, Baker, Joliet and St. Labre.

“We’re all excited to start competing,” said Kostelecky. “It’s a great opportunity to test ourselves early and see where we stand. We’re ready.”

With excitement running high and a group of determined athletes ready
to make their mark, the Lovell Lady Bulldogs volleyball program is set to open a season that Coach Kostelecky hopes will build momentum toward a new era of success.