The Reeths-Puffer girls soccer team has displayed obvious signs of pofential since the beginning of the season, despite losing its first three games.
That potential finally turned into results when the young Rockets, featuring a bunch of girls playing their first year of varsity, tied rival Mona Shores 1-1 on Tuesday, then picked up their first two victories of the season on Thursday and Saturday.
The first win was a 4-0 shutout of Holland on Thursday in O-K Green conference action.
Jaslynn Kops and Abby Hill scored in the first half for Reeths-Puffer while Alyssa Herbert and Madilynn Dyer scored in the second half. Ashlynn David was credted with two assists.
R-P's Abby Hill (7) battles for the ball. Photo/Jeremy Clark
The Rockets outshot the Dutch 18-2. Sarah Carlson and Brenna Ackerman shared the goaltending duties.
R-P collected its second win on Saturday, defeating Fruitport 2-0 in a non-conference matchup.
Hill and Herbert were the goal scorers for the Rockets while Carlson and Ackerman again combined in goal for the shutout.
After Saturday's game, R-P head coach Kody Harrell said it was a physically challenging week, with three games in five days.
R-P's Alyssa Herbert (3) works the ball through a crowd. Photo/Jeremy Clark
“The girls battled with it being the third game of the week,” Harrell said. “We’re not the only team dealing with this, but you could definltely tell it was impacting to our girls. Having ‘after the play’ challenges is something you definitely want to avoid. We want everyone to stay healthy.”
On the other hand, Harrell was delighted by the progress his team has made and its ability to break into the victory column.
“To go undefeated on the week is a big accomplishment,” Harrell said. “We’re really pleased with how the girls are coming along. They’re getting more and more confident, which is awesome.”
The Rockets will visit Grand Haven for a non-conference game on Monday.
R-P's Mallorie Messer (9) passes the ball. Photo/Jeremy Clark