MUSKEGON TWP. – Last season the Reeths-Puffer lacrosse team had a painful goal differential of minus-92.
After two games this season, the Rockets are only at minus-two.
Both of those games have been one-goal losses, but they clearly show that the Rockets have a lot more skill and more fight in them this season.
R-P’s latest effort resulted in a very tough 9-8 loss to Zeeland West at home on Monday night.
R-P's Gavin Wright (21) makes a save in goal. Photo/Jeremy Clark
After falling behind 8-7 with 2:10 remaining in the game, the Rockets responded with a goal from Connor Stawski just six seconds later, trying the game at 8-8.
But a Zeeland West goal with 22 seconds remaining was ultimately the difference.
“That’s a tough one,” said Reeths-Puffer head coach Josh Robidoux. “I know moving forward these guys are going to work hard and have each other’s back. But those losses sting a lot, especially against a good team like that.
"But if you look at our record year after year, they’ve consistently beaten us pretty badly, so,for us to come out and compete, there is a lot to be proud of. But we still have work to do.”
The 9-8 loss was the second in a row for Reeths-Puffer, which fell by the same score to Grand Haven in the season opener last week.
R-P's Carson Cooper (10). Photo/Jeremy Clark
“It’s just the position we’ve been in,” Robidoux said.. “But I’m proud of the guys and their tenacity. They play with heart, and we just got to finish and win.”
Things started out strong for the Rockets, who jumped out to a 4-2 lead after the opening quarter of play.
R-P collected two goals from Brooks Johnson, along with one goal apiece from Stawski and JT Fansler in the opening 12 minutes.
Zeeland West blanked the Rockets 3-0 in the second quarter and led 5-4 at halftime.
Cooper looks to pass. Photo/Jeremy Clark
R-P’s Carson Cooper scored the only goal of the third quarter, with an assist from Fansler, and the score was tied 5-5 heading into the fourth.
Kyler Brainard scored with 9:56 remaining in the game to give Reeths-Puffer a 6-5 lead.
Zeeland West responded with back-to-back goals to take a 7-6 lead with 7:06 remaining.
With just 4:25 left in regulation, Cooper netted another goal to tie the game at 7-7 before Zeeland West took an 8-7 lead with just 2:10 remaining.
R-P's Owen Greiner (12) tries to muscle past an opponent. Photo/Jeremy Clark
Reeths-Puffer won the ensuing faceoff, which led to the Stawski goal and tied the game, before Zeeland West netted the game-winner with just 22 seconds left.
The Rockets will host Holland Christian on Wednesday in search of their first win of the season.
“I think the buy-in has been incredible,” Robidoux said. “I know they’re frustrated and want to win. But also, the things I see, day in and day out at practice, are great.
"When we’re stringing four good quarters together against good programs, it’s a testament to the guys and what they want to do this year.”