Lady Bulldogs sweep the Rawlins Invitational and Lander

The Lady Bulldogs topped all 3A schools this weekend at the Rawlins Invitational. 

While Evanston may have made headlines by hosting Wyoming volleyball’s first outdoor matches, Lovell made their own headlines in Rawlins. This puts the first third of their season in the rearview mirror with a promising view of back-to-back state championships ahead.

Lovell ended the weekend with a 13-1 record, sweeping the tournament. Taking on Newcastle, the first contest, the Lady Bulldogs’ relentless offense commanded the Lady Dogies, winning the first set 21-13. However, Newcastle found some offense of their own despite ultimately losing to Lovell 21-20 in set two.

Next up in the tournament, Lovell took on Glenrock. The squad swept both sets with the same score of 21-6.

The Lady Bulldogs continued their relentlessness, topping the Lady Wranglers of Pinedale 21-11 in the first set and ended the match by winning again, 21-14.

Seeded first in the Gold Bracket on Saturday, Lovell took the championship, sweeping Buffalo 21-11, 21-10 and Douglas 21-17, 21-10. Meeting Powell for the championship, the Lady Bulldogs beat their rivals 20-22, 21-9, 15-13.

“The varsity match went to three sets, and the Bulldogs found a way to finish strong and seal the third set to bring home the championship trophy,” Coach Tera Kostelecky said. “Our JV team did the same, completing an incredible weekend with a championship of their own.” 

Kostelecky also said, “More than the trophies and wins, what stood out most this weekend was the mental toughness, resilience and strength our girls displayed. They continued to challenge themselves, make adjustments, fight through adversity and find ways to get better together. Their growth on the court was a direct reflection of their willingness to work for one another and stay connected as a team.”

Lander sweep

Lovell had a quick turnaround after traveling to and from Rawlins to take on Lander at home Tuesday.  With the pep band and rowdy student body dressed as construction workers the Lady Bulldogs were pumped up for this match.

The Lady Tigers fell to the Lady Bulldogs 25-7 in the first set, however, the second set proved to be more of a challenge for Lovell. But the Lady Bulldogs dug in and ended up winning 25-22.

The match ended with another sweep for Lovell, winning the third set 25-11. The crowd and the pep band celebrated the win alongside the squad. The win leaves the Lady Bulldogs at 14-1.

Lovell will be on the road until October. On Friday, the Lady Bulldogs will take on the Lady Rams in Red Lodge, beginning with the freshman match at 4 p.m., with the state champs taking the court at 6 p.m.