MEEKER | The Meeker High School softball team returned home Friday for a doubleheader at Paintbrush Park, hosting the Gunnison Cowboys.
Meeker came into the matchup riding momentum from a doubleheader sweep on the road against Aspen. The Cowboys dropped the first game 6-4 but rebounded in the second for an 11-8 victory, improving their record to 5-13.
In the opener, junior Kayla Castillo led the offense with two hits, two runs, one RBI and two stolen bases. Senior Addie Knowles pitched a complete game with eight strikeouts while recording a hit, an RBI and a stolen base. Senior Autumn Stallings added a hit and an assist in the field.
Castillo said she focused on keeping her teammates energized. “I really just wanted to get everyone excited and enthusiastic about the game. Having confidence in my ability on the bases has definitely helped.”
Knowles reflected on the series: “Both Gunnison games went well. I wish we could have won both, but I’m glad we at least got one. Our team played really well. My pitching was working well.”
In the second game, senior Emma Bauer went 2-for-4 with two runs and a stolen base while posting a perfect fielding percentage with eight putouts. Stallings drew a walk, scored twice and fielded flawlessly. Freshman MacKenzie Denney reached base three times and drove in two RBIs.
Stallings said: “Offensively I was just being very patient and disciplined up at the plate. Our energy was up and everyone on defense wanted the ball and wanted to get those outs. That win heading into Senior Night was definitely an energy and confidence booster for the team.”
Bauer added: “My main focus at the plate was just to get a base hit and make solid contact. Being consistent at first base is huge because it keeps the game moving. Taking the field for the last time means a lot. These past four years on this field have brought me some of my best memories and closest friends. It’s an honor to share Senior Night with Addie, Autumn, and Jewell.”
Monday, Meeker hosted Battle Mountain for its final home game and Senior Night, winning 16-1 in three innings to improve to 6-13 overall. Freshman Haigen Harrison and sophomore Avarie Caulfield led with multiple hits, while juniors Kailynn Watson and Kayla Castillo also contributed. Knowles pitched three innings, allowing one run with four strikeouts. Defensively, Bauer, Castillo, Watson, Harrison and Knowles combined for multiple putouts and assists without an error.
Harrison said: “There was some really great energy in the dugout; you could tell the whole team really wanted to give it their all.”
Freshman Sophia Moody reflected on a pivotal at-bat: “That at-bat in the bottom of the third was all about staying relaxed and looking for a pitch I could drive. Rounding the bases and realizing we’d won was surreal — hearing everyone cheer made it so special.”
Head coach Megan Kuper praised her players for their growth and leadership throughout the season. “Our hitters were much more patient in the second game, and defensively we really limited our errors,” Kuper said. “The team has shown tremendous improvement. Our seniors — Emma Bauer, Jewell McPherson, Autumn Stallings, and Addie Knowles — have given so much time and energy to Meeker softball. Their dedication means a lot. They’ve set a great example of commitment, teamwork, and sportsmanship.”
The Cowboys will close out the regular season on the road Oct. 7 as they play a double header against Eagle Valley before they turn to the post season.
Meeker High School softball seniors #2 Emma Bauer, #4 Jewell McPherson, #20 Autumn Stallings, and #21 Addie Knowles stand with their parents in the pitching circle during Senior Night ceremonies at Paintbrush Park on Monday, Oct. 6. The Cowboys honored their four seniors before defeating Battle Mountain 16–1 in three innings. CATHIE DOLAN PHOTO