MEEKER | This past weekend, the Meeker 2 11-13 Goldrush softball team wrapped up an impressive summer with a runner-up finish in the end-of-season tournament after posting a perfect 5-0 regular season and finishing with a 7-1 overall record.
The Goldrush opened postseason play Monday, July 13, at Paintbrush Park with a commanding 22-3 victory over Parachute.
Meeker 2 wasted no time taking control, scoring five runs in the first inning behind an RBI single from Aaliyah Schoup, an RBI triple from Skyler Wilson and a two-run inside-the-park home run by Riley Wilson.
The offense continued to roll, adding six runs in the second inning, five in the third and six more in the fourth to end the game early.
Schoup led the offense, going 3-for-3 with three RBIs, while Skyler Wilson, Leah Keeran and Riley Wilson each collected multiple hits. The Goldrush finished with 13 hits, drew 12 walks, stole 33 bases and played error-free defense.
Meeker 2 carried that momentum into the end-of-season tournament Saturday, July 18, in Glenwood Springs, where it outlasted Rifle 18-16 in a back-and-forth semifinal.
Schoup once again sparked the offense, driving in five runs on three hits. She hit an inside-the-park home run in the first inning, tripled in the second and added a two-run single in the fourth.
After falling behind 3-0 in the opening inning, the Goldrush answered with five runs in the bottom half before both teams traded the lead several times throughout the game.
Meeker 2 regained the lead for good with a five-run fourth inning highlighted by RBI singles from Jaylyn Tatum and Leah Keeran, Schoup’s two-run single and a three-run inside-the-park home run by Riley Wilson.
The Goldrush finished with 16 hits in the semifinal. Schoup and Teigann White each collected three hits, while Jada Gould and Tatum added multiple hits. Meeker 2 also stole 35 bases and did not commit an error.
The semifinal victory advanced the Goldrush to the tournament championship against Meeker 1, which marked the second meeting between the two teams this season.
Despite another strong offensive effort, Meeker 2 fell 21-13 in the title game.
Meeker 1 built an early lead with four runs in the first inning and continued to add to its advantage before the Goldrush mounted a seven-run rally in the fifth.
Schoup led Meeker 2 with two hits, while Tatum drove in three runs. The Goldrush drew 11 walks, stole 30 bases and once again played error-free defense. Riley Wilson led the team defensively with nine chances behind the plate.
Their runner-up finish capped a successful season for the Goldrush, which completed the summer with a 7-1 record while reaching the championship game of the end-of-season tournament.
Head coach Deloy Cook credited his assistant coaches and players for making the season a memorable one.
“I’d like to thank Tod Gould and Kristi Wilson for sticking with me for four months now,” Cook said. “The girls did great. We have five girls that will move on up to the older age brackets. I feel blessed to be able to help coach them. I know they’ll do great next year.”
Cook said the team’s success was measured by more than its record.
“We had a great season, 7-1,” Cook said. “It’s not all about winning. It’s about teaching and learning from our mistakes.”
Cook also congratulated Meeker 1 and pitcher Annabeth Moody on winning the tournament championship.
“I’d like to say congratulations to Meeker 1 and Annabeth Moody for pitching an amazing game,” Cook said. “Congratulations.”
Cook closed by thanking the families who supported the team throughout the season.
“Thank you to all the parents for being supportive,” Cook said. “We will see you next year.”
The Goldrush finished their summer season with an overall 7-1 record, a perfect regular season and a runner-up finish in the end-of-season tournament, while sending five players on to the next age division after a memorable season together.
Aaliyah Schoup delivers a pitch during Meeker 2 Goldrush’s championship game against Meeker 1 at the end-of-season tournament Saturday in Glenwood Springs. Schoup helped lead the Goldrush to a 7-1 season and a tournament runner-up finish.
Carson Cook, Axlynn Stallings and the Meeker 2 Goldrush celebrate as they run the bases following their playoff-opening victory over Parachute Monday, July 13, at Paintbrush Park. The Goldrush defeated Parachute 22-3 to advance in the end-of-season tournament.
The Meeker 2 Goldrush gather together for a team prayer before their championship game against Meeker 1 during the end-of-season tournament Saturday in Glenwood Springs. The Goldrush finished the season with a 7-1 record and a tournament runner-up finish.
Riley Wilson rounds third base and heads toward home during Meeker 2 Goldrush’s semifinal victory over Rifle at the end-of-season tournament Saturday in Glenwood Springs. Wilson helped the Goldrush advance to the championship game with an 18-16 win over Rifle.