MEEKER | The Meeker High School softball team wrapped up its regular season on the road last week with a doubleheader at Eagle Valley, a nonconference matchup that still factored into postseason standings.
The Cowboys entered the games coming off a dominant 16-1 home win over Battle Mountain the night before, which ended in the bottom of the third inning.
The last time Meeker faced Eagle Valley was Oct. 5, 2024, when the Cowboys hosted the Devils and dropped both games — 6-5 in 11 innings and 18-14 in the second matchup. This time, Meeker hit the road looking for revenge but fell short, losing 17-4 and 16-7.
With the losses, the Cowboys closed their regular season with a 6-15 overall record and a 4-8 mark in the 3A Western Slope League, finishing fifth in the standings.
Head coach Megan Kuper said that while the results weren’t what the team hoped for, she’s proud of how far they’ve come.
“We didn’t play to our full potential, but when I look back to where we started, the amount of growth this team has shown makes it all worth it,” Kuper said. “The progress from the beginning of the season to now is something to be proud of.”
Kuper added that both offensively and defensively, her players have made major strides.
“Our players have improved tremendously on both sides of the ball,” she said. “They look like a completely different team compared to the start of the season. Their development and confidence have really started to shine through.”
On Monday, the team received great news: Meeker qualified for the postseason as the No. 31 seed in the CHSAA Class 3A regional tournament. The Cowboys will travel to Eaton this weekend to take on the No. 2-seeded and defending state champion Eaton Reds.
“I’m so proud that this group earned the opportunity to play in the postseason,” Kuper said. “We were right on the bubble, and it’s exciting that our seniors get one more game and our underclassmen get a firsthand look at what it takes to reach the state level.”
Senior pitcher Addie Knowles has been a key part of Meeker’s success and one of the team’s most consistent performers in the circle.
Knowles is ranked among the top pitchers in the state and nationally for the 2025–26 season. She sits No. 178 nationally in batters struck out (86), No. 51 in Colorado, and No. 16 in Class 3A, while also ranking second in the Western Slope League. She also carries a 3.89 ERA, which ranks No. 66 in Colorado and No. 18 in Class 3A, and has six wins this season, good for second in the league.
Offensively, Knowles holds a .333 batting average, .493 on-base percentage, and .490 slugging percentage, adding one home run, 18 RBIs, 22 runs scored, and seven stolen bases — all ranking among the top players in the Western Slope League.
“I’m proud of how much the team has improved from the beginning of the season,” Knowles said. “We’ve gone from being scared of the ball to being ready and confident that we can make the play and get on base. Eaton is always an extremely good, top-ranked state champ team, so this weekend is going to be tough, but we just want to go out there, have fun, and do the best that we can.”
Fellow senior Emma Bauer said it’s special to finish her Meeker career alongside this group.
“It means a lot to go into the postseason with this group of girls,” Bauer said. “I’m excited to not only play with them one last time but also to go on one last trip with everyone.”
Bauer added that she’s been proud to watch the team’s development.
“The growth I have watched my team develop this season has been substantial,” she said. “The amount of knowledge of the sport and overall new skills learned by the younger girls was significant.”
Bauer also had a standout season for Meeker, ranking among the top offensive players in the Western Slope League. She’s No. 492 nationally in fielding percentage (.915), No. 65 in Class 3A, and No. 11 in the league. Offensively, Bauer posted 25 RBIs, ranking No. 170 in Colorado, No. 43 in Class 3A, and No. 9 in the Western Slope.
She also recorded a .390 batting average, .528 on-base percentage, and .683 slugging percentage, along with one home run, 23 runs scored, and four stolen bases — numbers that put her among the top hitters in the region.
Junior Kayla Castillo, who has been a steady presence at the plate and on the bases, said the team’s confidence has been key down the stretch.
“We definitely gained more confidence in our ability as a team, which helped us as the season progressed,” Castillo said. “Having confidence and support from teammates, coaches, and players’ families has definitely helped me offensively. I really just want everybody to have fun and support each other, so I’m looking forward to our trip this weekend.”
Castillo also said she’s optimistic about the team’s future.
“Although we’ll be taking a pretty tough loss by losing four seniors, I know our underclassmen can put in the work and hopefully come out stronger,” she said.
Castillo’s performance this season ranks among the best in the league and state. She’s No. 303 nationally and No. 50 in Colorado in stolen bases (18), ranking No. 1 in the 3A Western Slope League. She also carries a .948 fielding percentage (No. 5 in the league), .311 batting average, .523 on-base percentage, and .489 slugging percentage, with 16 RBIs and 24 runs scored, proving to be one of Meeker’s most versatile players.
Despite being the No. 31 seed, Kuper said the team’s mindset remains positive and determined.
“Our mindset is to finish strong and enjoy every moment,” she said. “We’re focused on playing hard, staying positive, and making the most of this postseason opportunity.”
No matter the outcome, Kuper said the season has already been a success.
“Success for us is being here — earning a spot at regionals is an accomplishment in itself,” she said. “From here, it’s about limiting fielding errors, staying aggressive at the plate, and enjoying the game we love.”
Meeker senior Addie Knowles gets set to deliver a pitch during the Cowboys’ game against Battle Mountain. Knowles’ strong performance on the mound helped lead Meeker to a 16-1 win in front of the home crowd. JARED HENDERSON PHOTO