MEEKER | The Cowboys are undefeated after three wins against some top Western Slope teams.
The DeBeque Dragons fell 3-1 on the varsity-only Thursday.
“De Beque is good and has some very talented athletes on their team,” commented head coach Greg Cravens.
Reese Clatterbaugh and Graycee Cravens went 100% serving, Clatterbaugh with a 36% ace rate to lead the Cowboys with seven.
“We had to serve well to keep them out of the system,” said Cravens. “If they got a good pass, they were swinging.”
“Clatterbaugh’s seven aces were key for us,” commented Cravens. “She was very good at getting her serves to the right people. We had some issues in serve receive and it showed in the third set.”
At the net Ainsley Selle, Clatterbaugh and Natalie Kracht combined for 27 kills.
“We had a well-rounded match with Selle, Clatterbaugh and Kracht playing a good match.
On Friday Cowboy fans were transported back to the good ol’ days when volleyball preceded football, and were able to watch D through varsity take the court against North Fork.
The Cowboys won in three sets, 25-21, 25-11, 25-18.
Selle took the lead on the attack with nine kills, Clatterbaugh had eight and sophomore Rylee Sullivan five.
“North Fork is a well-rounded team but we had a best effort so far this season,” commented Cravens. “Selle and Clatterbaugh had good games as usual but it was good to see Riley Sullivan coming along; she has actually moved positions from outside to right side early this season and is learning every week how to earn points. We are very encouraged by her play.” Taylor Garcia is currently leading Class 2A in digs and is a large part of why the Cowboys are 4-0.
“Garcia is keeping balls alive and is good at serve receive,” said Cravens. “She doesn’t leave much court open for them to score points on us.”
In their final matchup of the week, the Cowboys went on the road for the first time this year, to take on the Hayden Tigers. It was another afternoon of 3-0 for Meeker going 25-14, 25-26 and 25-20.
Selle, Sullivan, Kracht and Ellie Hossack all finished with seven kills each. Kracht added an additional four points from her serving.
“Hayden doesn’t let the ball hit inside their court,” commented Cravens. “We had a difficult time scoring. Hayden would keep the ball in play and back on us.”
This season has been a season of finding new ways to score for the team.
“Hossack and Graycee have done a great job finding hitters and putting them in a situation to score,” said Cravens.
Meeker will play a series of games in Delta on Thursday just before the kick off Limon week.
“Limon will be a great test for us. It will be exciting volleyball this week,” wrapped up Cravens.
The Limon games begin at MHS on Friday at 4 p.m.
