BY TIFFANY JEHOREK
Special to the Herald Times
MEEKER | Meeker High School opened for the first time this fall, not to welcome back kids, but to welcome Meeker Cowboy volleyball fans.
The Cowboys had been practicing for more than two weeks, preparing for a new season with only two returning starters.
“We got through the first week of the 2023 season,” commented Cravens. “Pre-season has been fun and exhausting, and with all the girls, trying to get everyone reps is a good challenge for the coaches.”
Head coach Greg Cravens was able to put together a D team game and so last Thursday featured a four-game sweep of the Plateau Valley Cowboys.
“We got away with four wins on Thursday,” said Cravens. “We were so happy when Plateau Valley agreed to a D team match; all of the girls have been working hard and needed a chance to show off their skills.”
The Cowboys came out strong in game one and maintained their strength throughout the rotation, final score 25-15. In game two Plateau Valley picked up steam thanks to their hitters Piland and Rocha, but the Cowboys rallied with strong work from the back row, 25-22. Consistent serving by the Cowboys in set three took the match 25-19.
“I’m very happy with the varsity performance,” commented Cravens. “We were ready to play but there are always first match jitters. Natalie Kraft led the team in kills with 10. I’m so proud of her because she has spent the last two years on the varsity bench, working hard just waiting for her chance and she took advantage of it against Plateau Valley.”
Kracht finished the night adding two aces and an 87% serving efficiency to her stats.
Ainsley Selle, one of two returning starters, showed her leadership with eight kills and three aces. Reese Clatterbaugh had seven kills and also three aces.
“We earned 17 points a set, which is good for earlier in the season,” said Cravens.
The official beginning of school was Monday and it was the beginning of a big week for the Cowboys. There will be three varsity matches: DeBeque and North Fork on Thursday and Friday at home and Hayden on Saturday for their first away game.
“DeBeque looks to be good this year and did well at the Rangely tournament last weekend,” commented Cravens. “North Fork is a very good Western Slope team and we will be tested and Hayden was at our team camp this summer and they have some talent.”
Thursday volleyball begins at 5:30 p.m. and will be varsity only. Friday will feature D, C, JV and varsity games beginning at 2 p.m. and Saturday C, JV and varsity starting at 11 a.m.
