BY TIFFANY JEHOREK
Special to the Herald Times
MEEKER | Saturday was a great day for the Cowboys softball team. It was senior day and with two wins against the visiting Cedaredge, they solidified second place in the 3A Western Slope league. The Cowboys celebrated their two seniors, Kastyn Dembowski and Ryann Mergelman, before the games.
“These seniors have been crucial members of the program during their time and have shown true Cowboy spirit with their determination, hard work and leadership,” commented head coach Kendal Bergman. “We couldn’t be more proud of these girls for who they are and how they perform on and off the field.”
Addie Knowles started off strong in the circle and held the Bruins to only two runs in the six inning game. Knowles struck out seven throughout the game, improving each inning.
“Knowles did extremely well and it was a great showing,” said Bergman.
The Cowboys supplied the run support with Miah Wren leading the way going five for five at the plate with one double, an RBI and two stolen bases. Miley Chism held her own on offense with two hits and a double of her own. The hits continued with both Knowles and Mergelman adding on with doubles and scoring more runs for the team.
“The entire team stepped up and did their jobs at the plate,” commented Bergman. “The defense also performed well, even after a few bobbles they kept their heads in the game and stepped up to make great plays.”
Performances included a strike out from Knowles and a runner thrown out on the same pitch by Mergelman behind the plate to Chism at shortstop for a double play.
The second game started off strong with Kailynn Watson in the circle with five strikeouts in four innings. Watson hammered the strike zone and only allowed three runs throughout the game. Between Kailynn’s impressive outing and a strong defense, the Cowboys took the lead early and kept it throughout the game.
The bats continued to light up the day with Jade Miller leading the way with a game again with two hits and two RBIs. Wren had another stellar performance as well racking up three hits, four RBIs, with two doubles and a triple. Adding to the tremendous offense on the day, Ashlynn Ducey, Emma Bauer, Chism, Knowles and Mergelman each had two hits of their own for a very impressive showing.
Mergelman added a cherry on top to the wins and senior day with hitting her third home run of the season and tacking on a total of five RBIs in the game.
The Cowboys pulled away early and kept the lead, gaining two important wins to end the regular season.
In addition to securing second place in the league, Meeker had great efforts that earned league standings. Wren ended in second place in league for stolen bases and third for runs scored, Knowles was third in league for strikeouts and ERA, Dembowski in seventh place in the league for RBIs, and Mergelman was first in the league for RBIs and first overall in 3A.
“These girls made a huge impact on our team and it’s awesome to see them recognized throughout the entire league as well,” commented Bergman.
Monday after the final rankings came out the Cowboys were sitting in the 18th spot in the state. This places them in region five being hosted by Strasburg. They will open the tournament playing Brush and Strasburg will take on Cedaredge. A win over Brush will move them on to the state tournament the following weekend.
