The Reeths-Puffer volleyball team won a set against always tough Caledonia on Thursday, and that is progress.
In the first two years that the Rockets competed against the Fighting Scots in the O-K Green conference, they did not come close to taking that step.
They were 0-2 against Caledonia in both 2024 and 2025, and lost in straight sets in all four matches. 
Addison Whitaker
But they finally won one on Thursday, 25-23 in the second set.
Despite that breakthrough, R-P still lost the match in four sets by scores of 11-25, 25-23, 20-25, 14-25.
“The growth I saw in the team’s mindset, as well as making game-time adjustments against a great team, is awesome,” said first-year R-P head coach Syann Fairfield. “I am proud of the grit and the competitiveness.
“It is never fun falling short, but you give credit where credit is due. Caledonia is a great team with a really great coach. It was fun competing against a high level team to see what we can accomplish.”
Leah Zuniga
R-P was paced offensively by Addison Whittaker with 11 kills while Peyton Radel added nine. Kate Tindall dished out 36 assists.
Leah Zuniga led the Reeths-Puffer defense with 16 digs while Whittaker added 11 and Tindall had eight.
The Rockets are now 5-5-2 overall this season and 0-1 in conference play.
They will participate in the Elk Rapids Invitational on Saturday.
