MEEKER | The Meeker Cowboys softball team finished their 2016 season strong with an appearance at the state softball 3A championships where they faced the eventual 2016 state champions, the Rocky Ford Meloneers. The lady Cowboys played well with the game remaining tied until the last innings where the Cowboys eventually fell to the Meloneers. Megan Shelton and Julia Christensen lead the offensive attack with perfect plate appearances and a home run by Shelton. Tori Lasker led the defensive attack with strong pitching as the team backed her up with putouts spread across all members of the team. “I am incredibly proud of our girls. They are closer than they realize in their pursuit of a state championship,” said coach Briana Williams. In the second year of interscholastic play, the Cowboys emerged as one of the leading teams in the state despite playing at the 3A level. Rangely native Sidney Shaffer concluded a bright career as the Cowboys lone graduating senior. “We’ll miss Sidney in the future, but with everyone else returning, I anticipate great things from these girls. What a great time to be a Cowboy!” coach Williams said.