Cowgirls lasso pair of league wins

MEEKER — The Cowgirls played with more consistency this weekend.
Friday night the team faced Plateau Valley and the girls were mentally ready for their opponent. Team members have been working hard on this aspect of their game to help mold it all together.
The team’s goal was to finish each play against Plateau Valley knowing “some you win, some you lose, but it always finishes.” This game philosophy proved successful for everyone on the team.
Meeker beat the “other” Cowgirls 25-12, 25-20 and 25-13 getting its second league win.
Sydney Cook had an incredible game both offensively and defensively leading the team with service aces and defensive digs.
Janae Kindall hit the ball well giving the Cowgirls her best three-game kill total of 13.
Marki Cook and Kelcy Brown delivered 30 assists collectively to Cowgirl hitters.
Megan Ridings and Gabbie Goettel protected the court defensively, while Kelsey Kendall, Meg Nieslanik and Stacy Fitzgibbons offered height and power at the net when called upon.
This wave of consistency and mental toughness carried over to the match on Saturday against Soroco.
The Cowgirls started this match with the same drive and intensity they finished with Friday night winning 25-15. During the second game of the match, Meeker couldn’t seem to get the ball to hit the floor; the kills that came naturally the game before came to a sudden halt.
Soroco adjusted defensively and Meeker just couldn’t find a groove, losing 16-25.
The third game of the match was the “Gabbie Goettel game.” She scored 19 of Meeker’s 25 points almost single-handedly. Meeker won the game 25-4.
The fourth and final game of the match Meeker regained its mental toughness, made the necessary adjustments and won 25-16.
The squad is able to lean on veterans Marki Cook, Janae Kindall and Sydney Cook. Their combination of 22 kills, three aces, 45 digs and eight blocks helped get the hard earned points we needed in this match.
The supporting cast included the entire roster: Meg Neislanik, Kelcy Brown, Kelsey Kendall, Megan Ridings, Stacy Fitzgibbons, Morgan Nielson and Jamie Gillis. The consistent play by each varsity player offensively and defensively were the keys to the third league win.
Meeker volleyball has a tough weekend ahead in West Grand Friday night and in Hayden Saturday. With a new coach, Hayden will be the one of the teams to beat for the league championship. West Grand proved at the Glenwood tournament early this season they are competitors, losing to Grand Junction Central in the finals. This weekend should be a test of Cowboy character, drive and consistency. The next home game will be Friday, Oct. 3 against Paonia.
Friday, Oct. 3 we will be having a “White Out.” The first 100 people wearing white to the volleyball game will get a rally towel. With the towel and admission to the football game spectators will be entered into a drawing for prizes during halftime. Watch the paper and local businesses for more information. See you in the gym!