MEEKER | The Meeker High School softball team split a doubleheader on the road against Basalt on Saturday. Both teams entered the matchup with 1-8 records and looking to add to the win column.
The last time the Cowboys faced the Longhorns was Sept. 7, 2024, when Meeker swept the doubleheader at home with wins of 17-11 and 10-5. This time, the two programs traded results, with Basalt taking the opener 22-15 and Meeker bouncing back for an 18-8 victory in game two. The split pushed the Cowboys’ record to 2-9.
Head coach Megan Kuper said her team started strong in the first game but could not overcome one difficult inning in the field.
“We started that game really strong in the first couple of innings and were swinging the bats well,” Kuper said. “Unfortunately, we had one bad inning that we just couldn’t recover from. That’s something we’re still working on — limiting our errors in the field and making teams earn their runs instead of giving them away. But I was proud of how the girls kept battling offensively and didn’t give up at the plate.”
In the second game, Meeker tightened up defensively and carried more confidence at the plate.
“The players really focused on tightening things up defensively and cleaning up the mistakes that hurt us in the first game,” Kuper said. “They also came in with more confidence at the plate and strung together quality at-bats. We had strong leadership from our veterans — Kailynn Watson, Emma Bauer, Addie Knowles, Autumn Stallings, and Kayla Castillo — and that steady presence really helped set the tone for everyone else.”
Kuper called the win “huge” for the team’s confidence.
“To bounce back after a tough first game and come out with a convincing win really showed the players that they’re capable of responding the right way,” she said. “For our younger girls especially, that experience builds confidence. Every game they’re gaining more and more understanding of batting, fielding, and game situations, and you can see the improvement.”
Meeker now turns its attention to its home opener Tuesday, Sept. 17, at 5 p.m. against Rifle. The Cowboys opened their season at Rifle on Aug. 19 with a 15-3 loss.
“Playing Rifle in the season opener was a challenge because we were still figuring things out as a team,” Kuper said. “This time around, we’ve got more games under our belt, and that gives us some confidence knowing it doesn’t have to look the same as it did the first time.”
Kuper said the team is emphasizing accountability heading into the home opener.
“The girls are excited for the home opener and are working hard on accountability — learning to move on quickly from mistakes instead of dwelling on them,” Kuper said. “A win at home would be special for the players, but no matter what, we’re focused on using this game to build. With a bye week ahead, we’ll have some valuable time to work on the skills that will help us be more successful as the season goes on.”
She added that growth has been evident despite the record.
“Our veterans are doing a great job leading the way, and our younger girls are stepping up with more confidence every game,” Kuper said. “We’re seeing better approaches at the plate, sharper defense, and smarter decisions in game situations. The record doesn’t always show it, but the progress is there, and that gives me a lot of optimism for where this group can go.”
Meeker will look to build on the momentum from its win over Basalt when it hosts Rifle in its home opener next Wednesday at 5 p.m. at Paintbrush Park. The Cowboys enter the matchup at 2-9 but continue to emphasize growth and consistency as the season moves forward.
