LAST YEAR: The Rockets finished the season 12-23 overall and 2-8 in the O-K Green conference standings, good for fifth place. R-P expected to have a better season, with eight seniors on the roster, but the situation got tough when two of its top players were knocked out long-term with injuries. The Rockets were also competing in the very tough O-K Green conference, which featured four state-ranked teams. Still, they finished with five more victories than they had in 2023.
RETURNING STARTERS: The Rockets only return three starters from last season, but they are pretty good ones. Senior Makayla Disselkoen was a middle hitter, but has been practicing for months as an outside hitter, and with her size and leaping ability, should provide the Rockets with a lot of points. Senior Mairyn Peterson, a middle hitter, has been developing into a strong team leader in the offseason and continues to work on developing her game. Senior Carlee Bowen, a libero, is the team’s top defensive specialist who gets to balls that nobody thinks can be saved. She will be a huge asset this fall.
ALSO RETURNING: Senior Abby Machinski has been fine-tuning her game in the offseason and has impressed the coaches. She is expected to play a strong offensive role from the right side.
TWO VERY PROMISING NEWCOMERS: Annabelle Darke highlights a junior class that as a lot of potential, according to head coach Justin Birr. She is an outside hitter and defensive specialist who brings a lot of intensity and energy to the lineup. Sophomore Peyton Radel is a middle hitter who is expected to play a big role at the net right away with spikes and blocks.
THE REST OF THE ROSTER: Senior Mallorie Messer, juniors Wren Tryska and Nola Hower, freshmen Lexie Danz and Kate Tindall.
OPENING DAY: The Rockets will open their season on Friday at the Coopersville Invitational.
COACH QUOTE: “After graduating eight seniors last year, Coach Riley and I were a little nervous about this season. However, this team has done very well throughout the summer and I am looking forward to seeing what they can do this fall. During a water break in our practice this morning, we had a little chat about how well our newcomers are doing and what a good spot we are sitting in for this early in the season.” – Justin Birr