Lengthy travel doesn’t deter Lovell netters

The Lovell Lady Bulldogs overcame a long bus ride and an hour-long trip from their hotel to the gym to post a strong showing at the Conference Duals on Friday and Saturday in Mountain View.

Lovell opened Friday with a sweep of Rawlins, meeting its goals at the service line while cruising to a 25-7, 25-9, 25-12 victory. Rawlins generated more offense in the third set, but the Lady Bulldogs closed out the match.

“We then faced Mountain View, who, in my opinion, is the best team on their side of the conference,” coach Tera Kostelecky said. “They always come to compete, and I have a lot of respect for their coaching crew.”

Mountain View edged Lovell 25-23 in the opening set, but the Lady Bulldogs responded by winning the next three, 25-20, 25-16 and 25-15. Lovell gained separation as the match progressed and completed the four-set victory.

 After a slow start against Pinedale following a late night and early departure, Lovell found its rhythm and completed another sweep, 25-16, 25-23 and 25-8.

 Lyman challenged Lovell early, but the Lady Bulldogs settled in and swept the match 25-23, 25-10 and 25-15.

“The girls have been working hard at letting mistakes go and moving on to win the very next point,” Kostelecky said. “It was great to see our JV kids pick this skill up at times. They won their match, and then the varsity also won three straight.”

 Lovell will travel to Lander on Thursday for a Class 3A West conference match against the Tigers at 4 (freshmen), 5 (junior varsity) and 6 p.m. (varsity). The Lady Bulldogs are counting on their previous showing that “cats are cool but dogs rule” for this match.

 Lovell will host Rocky Mountain High School at 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m. Saturday. The daytime match will also serve as the Lady Bulldogs’ Senior Night, though the Lady Bulldogs also host Worland Tuesday at 4, 5 and 6 p.m.

 “We are honoring seven seniors,” Kostelecky said. “This one is particularly difficult for me, as I have been with these girls in one way or another since their sixth-grade year. I can’t express how proud all of us coaches are of them, not just for the years they have committed to Lovell Bulldog volleyball, but also for the beautiful young women they have become along this journey.

“It is always difficult to leave emotions aside as we reflect on how fast four years of dedication have flown by. This will be the first time these girls really envision what it will be like next year as they fly out of their nests into their next chapters.”

The 3A West Regional Tournament will be held October 30-31 in Worland.