MEEKER | The Meeker 2 Goldrush 11-13 Rec Center softball team continued its strong start to the season Thursday, July 2, earning a 26-14 road victory over Glenwood 2 before the CRV team took on additional competition in an exhibition matchup against the Diamond Dogs from Craig.
Against Glenwood 2, Meeker 2 used another explosive offensive performance, collecting 16 hits while taking advantage of aggressive baserunning and timely hitting.
Riley Wilson led the way for the Goldrush, hitting two inside-the-park home runs and driving in two runs. Wilson connected on her first home run in the second inning before adding another in the fifth.
Meeker 2 jumped ahead early, scoring four runs in the first inning behind an RBI single from Aaliyah Shoup, walks from Leah Keeran and Teigann White, and a steal of home.
The Goldrush continued to build momentum throughout the game, scoring five runs in the second, six in the third, five in the fourth and five more in the fifth inning.
Schoup finished with a team-high four hits, while Axlynn Stallings and Jada Gould each contributed multiple hits. Stallings, Shoup and Wilson each drove in two runs.
Meeker 2 also continued its aggressive baserunning style, stealing 48 bases while drawing eight walks. The Goldrush played a clean defensive game without committing an error, with Wilson recording seven chances.
Carson Cook started in the circle before Skylar Wilson, Gould and Shoup each saw time in relief.
Head coach Deloy Cook said the team’s confidence continues to grow as players gain experience and embrace different roles.
“The girls are starting to get explosive in confidence,” Cook said.
Cook said the ability to move players around the field has been an important part of the season.
“We were able to play girls in positions they don’t normally play, which in my mind is what Rec ball is about,” Cook said.
On Monday, July 6, Cook’s Colorado River Valley team faced the Diamond Dogs from Craig in an exhibition matchup, providing another opportunity for the group to compete against quality competition.
“The girls on that team were my original CRV girls,” Cook said. “We played the Diamond Dogs from Craig. Heck of a game.”
Cook said the matchup was a valuable experience for both teams, with Craig bringing a talented group of players and a high level of competition.
“Craig’s team has some amazing players,” Cook said. “It’s always exciting to get really good competition to keep the level of play up. We are very thankful they were able to come down and play.”
Cook described the Craig matchup as a back-and-forth contest, with his team scoring the final run in the fifth inning. The two teams hope to meet again for another exhibition game in two weeks as they continue preparing for postseason play.
“I’m excited to see what we can do in the tournament,” Cook said.
Meeker 2 Goldrush will close out the regular season with games against Meeker 1 on Tuesday, July 7, and Rifle on Wednesday, July 8. Both games are scheduled for 6 p.m. at Paintbrush Park before the end-of-season tournament begins July 18.
Colorado River Valley’s Annabeth Moody delivers a pitch during Monday’s exhibition matchup against the Diamond Dogs from Craig. The game provided both teams an opportunity to compete against strong competition while preparing for postseason play. JARED HENDERSON PHOTO