MEEKER | There is one week and two games remaining in regular play and Cowboy volleyball remains undefeated, 17-0 on the season. Meeker is now one of three undefeated teams in the state: Valor Christian (5A) and Alamosa (3A) join the Cowboys with zero in the loss column. Celebrating homecoming last week the Cowboys faced one on the road at Grand Valley and one at home against Paonia.
Grand Valley played a tough first set. “It was a heck of a fight,” said head coach Greg Cravens. About their league opponent led by head coach David Walck, Cravens said, “It is always a treat to see that team and their coach. David runs a classy program and he treated us right.”
Earning points on team effort is important to have a successful season and post-season play. The Cowboys finished the night with a 0.278 hitting efficiency, one of the best all season. Offensively the team is directed by Kassie Luce. She has 531 assists so far this year, 21 serving aces and 60 kills. Lila Klinglesmith leads the team defensively with 16.2 digs per match, totalling 275 total to date.
Friday, in front of a large homecoming crowd, all three teams (C, JV and varsity) swept Paonia, leading to a total shut-out of the Eagles on the court and on the football field. “The girls really came together and played well against a good Paonia team,” said Cravens, “Paonia started every set very tough; we couldn’t find a hole in their defense. We did play well, eliminating errors on our end.”
There are three hitters with solid effort this year: Krissie Luce, Sydnie Main and Julia Dinwiddie have all topped 100-plus kills for the year.
Earning an average of 17 points per match against Paonia, “It was our best on the season,” Cravens said.
Meeker traveled to the 1A Debeque Dragons on Tuesday evening to clinch the conference title in three sets and earn an automatic bid to post-season play.
The Cowboys, ranked number two in the state, are hoping to win the league to host regionals. Teams ranked 1-12 have this honor.
The final game in regular season play is Saturday, Oct. 20, it is a home match, and the Cowboys host Soroco.
By TIFFANY JEHOREK | Special to the Herald Times
