Meek shines as Cloverdale softball gets huge home win

Cloverdale's Madison Smith snags a laser to keep the Warriors out of scoring position. The Clovers scored 13 runs and held the Warriors scoreless. (Banner Graphic/JAY LOCKETT)

CLOVERDALE -- Cloverdale's softball team swung its way to victory Monday over Covenant Christian. Lauren Meek pitched a shutout game and the Clovers topped the Warriors 13-0.

Meek says that it was her screwball and her riseball that was giving the Warriors trouble, however when it comes to winning late in the season, Cloverdale's focus is on the offensive end.

"We are working on just hitting the ball," Meek said. "We usually hit in streaks. So we have to stay on top of it."

Hitting wasn't a concern Monday. The first batter of the game, Kelsey Helterbrand, started the contest off with a huge triple and the Clovers did not look back. They had 19 hits and, heading into the postseason, that is exactly what Cloverdale coach Bryan Knapp wanted to see.

"Hopefully the bats stay lively," Knapp said. "We just won a tournament at Owen Valley and we're looking at county this weekend. That's what counts we are getting ready for county."

It'll be all play and no work for Cloverdale as they have to travel to Shakamak Thursday before the county tournament on Saturday.

"We don't have time to work," Knapp said. "We just have to keep batting. We know we have to hit the ball. We have to continue to have discipline at the plate."

Returning at the right time for Cloverdale is Lindsay Robson. She has been out for most of the season due to injury and she is excited to be back on the diamond helping her team as they prepare for the upcoming tournaments.

"It feels really nice to be able to go out there and help my team," the senior said. "It's better than sitting on the side."

Even though she has been out, she is committed to making the necessary plays at the plate to keep the scoring up for Cloverdale.

"We just have to be hitting the ball," Robson said. "We have pretty good defense I'd say."

That good defense is helped by Meek, who pitched a no-hitter through three and a half innings and finished with 8 strikeouts. The Clovers did not commit any errors.

Cloverdale will need that defense Saturday when the team will face off against the county's best in a winner-take-all affair.

At Cloverdale

WP Meek