Final scores don't lie, and they tell us that the Reeths-Puffer volleyball team continues to make real progress against some of the big bullies in the O-K Green conference.
In the two previous seasons, the Rockets played conference powers Caledonia, Mona Shores and Jenison a total of 12 times, and lost 11 of those matches in straight sets. That means they lost 36 of the 37 sets.
Nobody was stunned by those scores, because the Fighting Scots, Sailors and Wildcats are very good teams that have all been listed in the state rankings in recent years.
But this year has seen a bit of a shift in R-P's fortunes against those three rivals. The Rockets still lost to all three in their first matchups this season, but they haven't gone down nearly as easily.
Kate Tindall
In recent weeks they won one set against both Caledonia and Mona Shores, and it happened again on Thursday when the Rockets won a set in an 18-25, 25-27, 25-17, 15-25 loss to Jenison.
Losses are still losses, but it's fair to guess that one of these days the Rockets, who only have one senior on their developing team, will break through and beat one of those teams.
They will play all three one more time before the regular season is over.
"I think our skills are 100 percent increasing," said first-year R-P head coach Syann Fairfield. "This year we have never been intimidated, because of the work the girls put in this summer. We have high expectations for ourselves.
Peyton Radel
"We have a lot of young talent. It's exciting to work with them and see their growth. Everything is just going up."
Fairfield definitely saw the bright side in Thursday's loss.
“Tonight was a really fun game,” the coach said. “The girls played some really gritty ball. Of course it’s never fun falling short, but lots of greatness was showcased tonight.”
Sophomore Kate Tindall showed off her skills with 40 assists and seven digs on the night.
“Kate was very consistent tonight,” Fairfield said about Tindall’s performance. “She spread the offense and kept us a threat.”
Addison Whittaker
Peyton Radel finished with 12 kills and one block for Reeths-Puffer while Lexie Danz had 12 kills, 11 digs and one block .
“Peyton was a force tonight, both offensively and defensively,” Fairfield said.
Leah Zuniga totaled 14 digs while Addison Whittaker had 14 digs, seven kills and two aces.
They Rockets, 13-11-3 overall and 1-4 in conference play, will compete on Saturday in Spring Lake
.
