MEEKER | The Meeker High School volleyball team hosted the regional tournament on Monday, facing off against the Limon Badgers and Sanford Mustangs. The day began with Meeker’s Cowboys taking on the Badgers in an 11 a.m. matchup that set an intense tone for the competition.
In September, the Cowboys had suffered a narrow 3-2 loss to the Badgers, but this time, with the stakes higher, they came ready for a different outcome. Fueled by determination, Meeker swept all three sets to secure a statement win over Limon, considered a “revenge game” by many players. The Cowboys dominated with final set scores of 25-12, 25-17, and 25-18.
Senior Reese Clatterbaugh led the Cowboys’ offense with an impressive 14 kills, while senior Graycee Cravens provided essential support with 19 assists across the three sets. Clatterbaugh also contributed to the team’s service game, tying junior Jacey Follman for the lead in aces, with both players delivering two each.
The Cowboys’ victory over Limon extended their winning streak at home to 14 games, a streak dating back to the previous season. Their overall season record improved to 18-5, showcasing their consistent performance and solidifying their reputation as a powerhouse in regional play. Aces proved to be a crucial aspect of Meeker’s strategy, and the team’s high average in aces has been a defining factor in many of their victories.
For Limon, the loss dropped their record to 9-15, marking their second consecutive defeat.
The second match of the day pitted Meeker against the Sanford Mustangs. This game was particularly challenging for the Cowboys and their supporters, as it was a rematch of the teams’ last encounter in November 2021. This time, Sanford took control early, claiming victory in the first two sets and pushing Meeker to the brink of elimination.
The Cowboys rallied, winning the next two sets to force a decisive fifth set. Despite outscoring Sanford across the five sets (106-98), Meeker fell just short in the final stretch, losing by scores of 25-21, 25-17, 15-25, 13-25, and 20-18. The loss ended Meeker’s five-game winning streak away from home and brought their season record to 18-6.
In the match against Sanford, Clatterbaugh again led the offensive charge with 13 kills. Junior Jacey Follman contributed significantly with 24 assists, while senior Adi Selle anchored the defense, recording four blocks.
The loss to Sanford marked the end of an impressive season for the Cowboys, who finished with an 18-6 record and a .750 win percentage. In league play, Meeker held a dominant 9-1 record and captured the 2A/1A Western Slope League Championship. The team’s efforts throughout the season highlighted their resilience and skill, and their accomplishments reflect their commitment and growth as a squad.
As the season draws to a close, Meeker’s senior players leave behind a strong legacy. The graduating seniors who will be graduating in the spring of 2025 have played pivotal roles in the team’s success and will be remembered for their contributions over the past four years. The Cowboys’ fans, coaches, and underclassmen express their gratitude for the seniors’ hard work and dedication.
The Meeker Cowboys may have concluded their season, but the team’s efforts and achievements will be celebrated long after the final game.
By JARED HENDERSON
