Now in its second year, the Meeker fast-pitch softball team is moving into the latter stage of the season this weekend.

The girls of Northwest Colorado have banded together this autumn and will head into the playoffs Saturday with a game against Brush on Cedaredge’s Field of Dreams in the hopes of advancing to the state championships.

The squad, comprised of players from Meeker, Craig, Steamboat Springs and Rangely, holds an overall record of 9-9, 4-4 in 3A District 5an overall record of 9-9, 4-4 in 3A District 5, placing third following a doubleheader last week in second-place Gunnison (10-8-1, 5-3), a 9-8 extra innings loss giving Meeker the bronze, with Cedaredge (12-7, 7-1) claiming the league title., placing third following a doubleheader last week in second-place Gunnison (10-8-1, 5-3), a 9-8 extra innings loss giving Meeker the bronze, with Cedaredge (12-7, 7-1) claiming the league title.

an overall record of 9-9, 4-4 in 3A District 5, placing third following a doubleheader last week in second-place Gunnison (10-8-1, 5-3), a 9-8 extra innings loss giving Meeker the bronze, with Cedaredge (12-7, 7-1) claiming the league title.

The sophomore season for the Lady Cowboys has been a hectic one, said coach Briana Williams. Last year, the brand-new team was technically considered junior varsity by Colorado High School Activities Association, but this fall saw them attain varsity status and add a JV team as well.

“It usually takes three years for them to see if the program will last, but we did really well last year,” she said.

Among the team’s biggest moments this season was a doubleheader with winless Aspen, scoring 52 total runs across consecutive shutouts. Tournament wins against 4A teams Rifle and Eagle Valley were also highlights.

“These girls are gonna be tough the next few years, and we’ve tried to establish a base of positive, hard work,” Briana said.

The lineup of out-of-town athletes the group has attracted includes seven girls from Craig, three from Steamboat and one from Rangely. The bigger roster has been a boon, Williams said, especially since the team is primarily underclassmen.

“Real young team, but lots of talent, and they’ve improved top to bottom this year,” she said.

Meeker freshmen Tori Lasker and Megan Shelton have been skilled new additions at pitcher and catcher, respectively, while sophomore Sierra Williams is second to no one in the entire state in stolen bases, with 46 this year.

Moffat County High School’s Sheyenne Cromer is one of the few seniors, traveling to Meeker regularly for practices. She also played last year but was unable to finish the season due to a concussion caused by a car accident.

A utility player, she is often used at right field but goes wherever she’s needed.

“Sheyenne is a rock, the commensurate team player, everything you want to see in a kid,” Williams said.

Williams said she continues to be impressed with the level of commitment from players who need to drive an hour or more just to join in a practice session. Craig players who have been part of the program this year include veterans Cromer, Julia Christensen, Charisma Delgado, rookies Mackenzie Marshall, Bailey Bond and Caitlin Running, as well as Sydney Ferguson, who was unable to finish the season.

Meshing with girls from other towns was difficult at first, Cromer said, but they’ve become unified team regardless of where they live.

“The girls are really welcoming,” she said. “When we hit that point in a game we become a team and that’s when it all clicks together and all those hours we spend together practicing helps, and it shows.”

This weekend’s big game is nerve-inducing, she said, but the excitement is a good thing.

“We’re definitely pumped for it,” she said.

Contact Andy Bockelman at 970-875-1793 or Contact Andy Bockelman at 970-875-1793 or abockelman@CraigDailyPress.com or follow him on Twitter @CDP_Sports.Contact Andy Bockelman at 970-875-1793 or abockelman@CraigDailyPress.com or follow him on Twitter @CDP_Sports.