The Meeker High School softball team faced a tough test on the road Saturday, Sept. 19, traveling to Cedaredge for a doubleheader against one of the stronger teams on its schedule.
The Cowboys dropped both games, falling 16-0 in the opener and 23-1 in the second game.
Despite the difficult results, first-year head coach Josh Martin said he saw an opportunity for the team to continue learning as it prepares for the final stretch of the season.
“Unfortunately, we just couldn’t get the bats going,” Martin said. “And when we did, we left several runners on base and just couldn’t capitalize on the people we were getting on.”
Meeker recorded one hit in 10 at-bats in the opener, with sophomore Haigen Harrison recording the Cowboys’ lone hit. The Cowboys also drew three walks but struck out six times.
The second game produced two Meeker hits, with Harrison and sophomore Sophia Moody each going 1-for-1. Harrison scored Meeker’s lone run and stole a base, while senior Kayla Castillo recorded two stolen bases.
Martin said one of the biggest areas of improvement since the beginning of the season has been the team’s willingness to stay aggressive at the plate and on the bases.
“I think the biggest one is we’ve just been consistently aggressive at the plate,” Martin said. “We’re swinging. We’re putting the bat on the ball. We’re stealing when we get on, and so we’re still just being aggressive.”
Martin said the Cowboys were more timid early in the season but have continued to develop their confidence.
The Cowboys have also had to navigate a small roster throughout the season, at times playing with only eight available players.
“They’re playing bruised and bloody, and still showing up every time and giving everything that they have every single day between practice and games,” Martin said. “Even though the record’s not quite what we want it to be, I’m proud of the girls coming up and still giving their all every single week.”
Meeker entered the Cedaredge doubleheader after sweeping Aspen in its home opener the previous week, winning 25-22 and 23-20.
The Cowboys will now turn their attention to their final road doubleheader of the regular season at Gunnison on Sept. 26.
Martin said the focus will be on continuing to battle while limiting mistakes.
“As long as they continue to go out and give everything they have and continue to minimize their mistakes and their errors, I think we’ll be in a good spot versus Gunnison,” Martin said. “As long as they keep their heads up and we keep grinding, I think we’ll be in a good spot.”
For Martin, however, the lessons from his first season with the Cowboys extend beyond the field.
He said he has taken a more hands-off approach during games at times, allowing players to work through difficult situations themselves rather than immediately stepping in.
“I want the girls, as part of their learning, to learn how to get themselves out of positions,” Martin said. “I think you learn more when you figure out how to get yourself out of tough situations, and I think that transfers over to life situations, learning to overcome adversities and things like that.”
Martin said that growth, particularly among the team’s seniors, has become one of the most meaningful parts of his first season.
“I’ve really started to see some of that, especially through my seniors who have done a really good job of stepping up and leading the team,” he said. “I think that’s going to carry them a lot farther than any softball skill I could have possibly taught them.”
As the season winds down, Martin hopes the players remember more than the wins and losses.
“At the end of it all, I really hope that they had a good time, they had fun, they had good camaraderie between their teammates,” Martin said. “I hope that they take away life lessons that mean more than softball.”
The Cowboys will close out their road schedule against Gunnison on Sept. 26, with games scheduled for 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Senior Kailynn Watson delivers a pitch during an earlier game against Thompson Valley this season. Watson is the Cowboys’ ace pitcher and has carried the pitching duties throughout the season. JARED HENDERSON PHOTO