LAST YEAR: 7-13 overall, 4-6 in conference play. The Rockets got off to a terrible start, losing their first seven games, and nine out of their first 10, but then turned it on, posting a winning record over the second part of the season. They were eliminated by Spring Lake in districts.
LOTS OF TALENT BACK: Last year’s team clearly had a lot of momentum at the end of the season, and most of the top scorers are back from that crew this year, including junior forward Jaslynn Kops (14 goals, 5 assists last year), senior midfielder Mallorie Messer (13 goals, 7 assists) and senior midfielder Abby Hill (9 goals, 6 assists). Other top returners include senior midfielder Ashley Bradley, junior forward Ashlyn David, senior defender Lola Sapone and senior Sara Carlson, who was the starting goalie last season, and will split her time between goal and midfielder this year.
A FEW OF THE EXCITING NEWCOMERS: Freshman Ava Callender is a talented young goalie who will split time with Carlson this season. Some other newcomers who could play big roles include junior defender Payton Ohs, freshman defender Kate Tindall, freshman midfielder/defender Mackenzie Danz, freshman midfielder/defender Lexie Danz and junior midfielder Emmarie Siembieda.
ROSTER BREAKDOWN: The Rockets will have 23 girls on varsity, including 7 seniors, 10 juniors, 1 sophomore and 5 freshmen.
TEAM STRENGHTS/CHALLENGES: The Rockets’ skill players are also some of the hardest workers and best leaders, which should help bring the younger players along. R-P has experience, speed and will have a more aggressive style of play and a different offensive formation. The biggest challenge for the team will remain a very tough schedule, playing in the highly competitive O-K Green conference.
FIRST GAME: After having a game postponed this week due to weather conditions, the Rockets will open up on Saturday morning with a non-conference game at West Ottawa.
COACH QUOTE: "We are excited to just get playing. This is going to be a team-focused group, attacking with numbers, defending with numbers and using our depth. The whole group is working really hard and playing with great confidence early on in our practices right now." - Kody Harrell