The Meeker Cowboys may have had a slow start to the beginning of the season, 0-4, but they finished second in the league, upset a higher seeded Brush at regionals, and qualified for the final 16 state tournament.
“With a heavy heart it’s time to talk about the end of our softball season, but what an amazing season it was,” commented head coach Kendal Bergman. “It’s never easy to finish a season but ending the season at State is such a huge accomplishment and these girls should be so proud, they fought hard after the start they had.”
The Meeker Cowboys faced off against the number one ranked Eaton Reds and competed tough for five innings until the Reds clinched the win.
Sophomore Addie Knowles took to the circle for the Cowboys and pitched all five innings with two strikeouts. The Eaton offense proved to be very explosive but Knowles never gave up. After settling in after the first two innings, Knowles got the Reds out in order in the third with ground balls and fly ball outs.
The Cowboys took the momentum after a great defensive inning and turned it into a spark offensively. Miah Wren hit a single to left field to get the ball rolling and stole second base to put herself in scoring position for Ashlynn Ducey. Ducey ripped a line drive to left field for a double and scored Miah Wren for the first run of the game. Ryann Mergelman stepped up as well and got herself a hit to score Ducey from second.
“We weren’t able to plate any more runs in the game but the third inning was explosive and it was great to see those great hits to score some runs,” said Bergman.
The defense continued to perform and get outs behind Knowles who was giving it her all on the mound. Defensive notable plays included three fly ball catches from freshman Kayla Castillo in right field, both Wren and Kastyn Dembowski covered tons of ground in outfield, Mergelman had a backhand catch at shortstop to get the lead runner out at second, Miley Chism secured blocks and had a great arm behind home plate, Ducey collected numerous outs at second base, and Jade Miller and Emma Bauer each playing tough and clean throughout the game.
“Although the outcome of the game wasn’t what we wanted, these girls should be so proud of their effort and talent,” commented Bergman. “We gained such valuable experience at this state tournament and hopefully that will help prepare us for next year and other big games. Thank you everyone for your continued support of our softball program! Go Cowboys!”
Seniors Mergelman and Dembowski, have both been selected to play in the Colorado Coaches of Girls Sports (CCGS) Senior All State game on Nov. 5 in Denver.
“Playing in CCGS is a huge accomplishment and these two players deserve this awesome recognition,” finished Bergman. “Each of these girls were huge contributors to our team and our success.”
BY TIFFANY JEHOREK, Special to the Herald Times
