The Cowboys softball team had a roller coaster of a day on Saturday against Cortez. Starting off behind against a very tough opponent in the first inning, then coming back to tie in the fourth and even pulling ahead in the fifth, ultimately losing the game after one error ridden inning. “The girls didn’t let the first game get them down, but instead they stayed strong and worked extremely well together to win the second game 11-9,” commented head coach Kendal Bergman. ”The second game was an outstanding team victory where everyone contributed whether it was defensively or offensively.”
TIFFANY JEHOREK PHOTO
Outstanding performances included Brea Garcia’s complete game with numerous strikeouts and ground balls to keep the Cowboys in the game. Reagan Hafey’s pitching performance through six innings in the second game followed by Garcia closing out the second game on the mound. Vivian Brown cleared the bases in a two-out double to score three runs in the second game to extend the Meeker lead. Ryann Mergelman and Athena Lyon both caught the games extremely well and helped the team up at the plate with multiple RBIs between them, and Jade Miller and Hafey had solid hits throughout both games with runners in scoring positions.
“I cannot say enough positive things about this group of girls and we are extremely proud of their fight and determination,” commented Bergman. “They showed how powerful they are especially when they work together and keep their heads up.”
The week to end all weeks continued Monday when the Meeker Cowboys softball team suffered two tough losses against the Basalt Longhorns.
The home team started strong by putting up four runs quickly in the first two innings and extending the lead to 7-2 in the fifth inning.
“Brea was doing extraordinary against the opposing lineup and solid defense behind her with Athena behind the plate,” said Bergman.
Throughout the games, Miah Wren continued to be a strong lead off hitter for the Cowboys with her speed and bat control, placement of her bunts and three solid hits in the game, including two doubles. Other great at bats and hits were done by Garcia, Miller, Hafey, Brown, Kastyn Dembowski, and Emma Bauer all getting solid hits and scoring runs.
The Cowboys were looking solid but the Longhorns didn’t give up and ended up coming from behind to win after numerous singles that continued to push runs across home plate.
“The girls, even after a tough loss, didn’t give up and came out strong for the second game,” commented Bergman.
The Longhorns put up two runs in the first and Hafey fought hard on the mound to limit the hits and keep the Cowboys in the game. In the bottom of the inning, Wren laid down an outstanding bunt for a single followed by Mergelman, who had a hard hit past the third baseman to score Wren quickly, and Lyon who added another hit to her night.
Throughout the game, the Longhorns continued to put up one run per inning and slightly pulled away.
“I was very impressed with how the entire team stayed in the game and never gave up through the entire game,” commented Bergman. ”That was the loudest and most intense I have seen these girls, they showed how to fight during these games. The last inning was a heartbreaker when the final score showed 5-6. We had great efforts by Brea on the mound who pitched the last two innings of the game after a great outing by Reagan.”
The seventh was a nail biter with Mergelman and Hafey both getting themselves on base to start the inning, Lyon put the ball in play to score Mergelman, then Bauer having a great at bat and singled up the middle to score Lyon bringing the Cowboys within one run of tying the game. Now with two runners on and two outs, Dylan Herndon had a solid hit, but was just in reach of the shortstop to catch and end the game.
“These girls were very impressive to watch and these games taught us a lot to help to prepare us for future games,” said Bergman.
Cowboy softball had four home games remaining for the week after Monday. Friday they hit the field against Battle Mountain at 3 p.m. and Saturday a single game against Aspen at 3 p.m. Aspen is also the senior parent recognition game.
Special to the Herald Times
