MEEKER | The Meeker High School softball team is hitting the midseason stretch with lessons learned and eyes on improvement, though the scoreboard hasn’t always reflected their efforts. The Cowboys dropped a rematch with Rifle in their home opener before losing both ends of a doubleheader at Cedaredge on Saturday, leaving the team with a 2-12 overall record.
The Cowboys opened their home schedule with an 18-5 loss to the Rifle Bears, a rematch of their season opener on the road, which ended in a 15-3 defeat.
Head coach Megan Kuper said the team showed progress in the home opener. “We showed noticeable improvement compared to the first time we faced Rifle. The girls competed harder and made strides in their approach, but we still need to focus on cleaning up our fielding errors and tightening up defensively to stay competitive throughout the game,” she said.
Junior catcher Kayla Castillo had a strong individual performance, going 1-for-2 at the plate with an RBI, reaching base three times, stealing two bases, and playing flawless defense with five putouts and a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage. “I really think confidence helped me get on base and just trusting my swing to get me there. My teammates constantly encourage me to play with confidence, which definitely pushes me defensively,” she said.
Senior pitcher Addie Knowles also had a notable performance. She pitched all five innings, faced 40 batters, struck out five, and contributed offensively with a hit and an RBI. “Rifle is always a tough game, but it’s a great learning opportunity. My change-ups and drop balls have been working really well,” Knowles said.
Senior Emma Bauer went 1-for-3 with a double and an RBI and handled the most defensive chances on the team, totaling eight. The Cowboys ended the game with 11 errors and a .656 fielding percentage, showing the areas they still need to tighten defensively.
Three days later, Meeker traveled to Cedaredge for a doubleheader against the Bruins. In the first game, the Cowboys lost 18-9 but scored nine runs, showing offensive patience and discipline.
Kailynn Watson went 1-for-3 with a double, two RBIs, two runs scored, and a stolen base in game one, while sophomore Sienna Rolen got on base once and scored a run.
In the second game, Meeker was outscored 12-5. Kuper praised the team’s performance despite the loss. “That was the best we’ve played all season. The girls really limited their errors in the field and showed great decision-making at the plate.”
Senior Autumn Stallings went 1-for-3 with a run scored, drew a walk, and recorded four assists in the field without an error. Freshman Sophia Moody also contributed, going 1-for-3 with two RBIs and a walk, driving in two runs and reaching base twice.
Stallings reflected on the weekend: “These games against Cedaredge were amazing! Even though we lost, everyone was having fun and I think that is why we did so well as a team.”
Moody added, “Being a freshman transitioning to varsity play has been a challenge, but I love my team and the seniors are extremely supportive. Even though we didn’t win against Cedaredge, our teamwork and fielding are constantly improving.”
Knowles echoed her coach’s optimism. “We may have lost, but Cedaredge is one of the top state-ranked teams, and we played well all seven innings both games. We want to continue that level of playing into this next week.”
Meeker heads to Aspen this week for another doubleheader on Thursday against a winless Aspen Skiers team. Kuper emphasized preparation and consistency. “We focus on playing our game regardless of who we face. The key is to play our best softball and not overlook any situation.”
Kuper also highlighted several players stepping up despite tough results. “Emma Bauer has been very consistent both at the plate and defensively. Addie Knowles has pitched strongly in both games while also producing offensively. Kailynn Watson has delivered consistent base hits that help move runners around, and Kayla Castillo has worked hard behind the plate in both games. Additionally, our freshmen have done a great job of filling in where needed, adjusting to different positions to help the team.”
The Cowboys will look to build on their recent performances as they aim to continue growing and competing at a high level, hoping to capture their next win on the road in Aspen. Good luck to the team this weekend as they take on the Skiers, and as always, go Cowboys!
