The Cowboys softball team ended their season this past Saturday in Lamar after losing a hard fought game with Thomas Jefferson (TJ), who went on to beat the host team Lamar to win the regional tournament.
The Cowboys softball team ended their season Saturday in Lamar. Above, Miah Wren. | AMBER GARCIA PHOTO
The Cowboys held Thomas Jefferson at bay early in the game with solid defense behind pitcher Brea Garcia, who pitched a one-hit gem.
Later in the game, after a few errors, TJ went up 3-0 in the third inning and the Cowboys struggled to make solid contact off the opposing pitcher. The Cowboys did have opportunities to score, leaving runners in scoring position, but we weren’t able to come through with a hit when they needed it most.
“Even though the outcome wasn’t what we wanted,” began head coach Kendal Bergman, “we did see amazing performances from the team that truly showed what an outstanding group of girls we have. Brea pitched outstandingly, one of the best performances I have ever seen. She pitched a complete game with only one legit hit against a solid offensive team and every coach and parent from Thomas Jefferson made a point to seek me out after the game to give props to Garcia for her amazing skills on the mound. Meeker has always known what an amazing competitor Brea is and every opponent knows that too.”
“I was super nervous going into the game,” said Garcia. “The idea that it could be my last one was the only thing I could think of. However, the second the game started I knew that my team needed me, and whether it was my last game or not, I had to leave it all out there.”
Reagan Hafey was solid at second base producing numerous outs in the game, Athena Lyon worked hard behind the plate and made great throws the entire game, and Ryann Mergelman stretched big for a full on diving catch behind third base while playing shortstop to keep runs from scoring, and Miah Wren had a great catch on a laser line drive hit to center field.
“Even though the season ended prematurely, we appreciate the experience and will take this loss and learn from it,” commented Bergman. “With a relatively young team, this experience will help prepare us better for next year and lessen the nerves for future big games.”
“Next year, I would just hope that the girls go into every game with that mentality. These four years go by fast, so make the best of every bus ride, every overnight trip, and every practice,” commented Garcia.
“I’m so proud of these girls and all of their hard work they put into the season, I wish nothing but the best for each and every one of them,” wrapped up Bergman. “Signing off until next year, go Cowboys!”
As one of three seniors on the team, and the only senior from Meeker, Garcia couldn’t be more thankful for the community support, saying, “I know softball can be long at times, but seeing people there makes all the difference. I want to thank my coaches and teammates for making softball something that I was excited for everyday, and always pushing me to be better. Finally, I want to thank my parents and siblings for supporting me throughout my entire softball career. Without them the 10 years on the field would not have been possible.”
By TIFFANY JEHOREK – Special to the Herald Times
