The Reeths-Puffer volleyball team had a final warmup for districts by playing a pair of matches at Whitehall High School on Thursday night.
The Rockets lost both by 2-1 scores, to North Muskegon and Whitehall.
R-P lost the first set against the Norse 25-23, won the second 25-21, then lost the tiebreaker 15-10.
R-P's Mady Snyder
The Rockets started out strong against Whitehall, winning the first set 25-17, but then lost the second 25-16 and the tiebreaker 18-16.
Mady Snyder had a good overall night for R-P, totaling 19 fills, four aces and 13 digs.
Grace Darke was also strong offensively and defensively with 42 assists and 14 digs, while Megam Barmes served five aces and led the defense with 28 digs.
R-P's Megan Barmes
Mairyn Peterson contributed 10 kills and five blocks for the Rockets.
“We played our butts off in both matches but could not find a way to win some crucial points in the third sets,” said R-P Coach Justin Birr. "We are now 2-7 in game-deciding sets, so in practice today we talked about what is necessary for us as a team to overcome that struggle.
“As a young team, I am proud of how much we have grown throughout this season. Every aspect of our game has seen significant improvement. Thanks to our assistant coach Riley Hughes, our blocking and attacking has improved tremendously. Our defense has become much more positionally sound and consistent.
R-P's Grace Darke
“Do we have a long way to go? Absolutely. However, this group of girls has the right mindset and work ethic to keep growing and to come back next season even stronger.”
Reeths-Puffer, now 7-29-1 on the season, will compete in Division 1 districts next Wednesday against Grand Haven on the Buccaneers’ home court.
