The Reeths-Puffer volleyball team kicked off its season on Friday by posting a 1-3-1 record at the multi-team Coopersville Invitational.
The Rockets’ highlight of the day was a three-set, come-from-behind win over Whitehall in the semifinals of the Silver bracket.
R-P lost the first set 13-25, won the second by a tight 26-24 score, then sealed the win with a 15-9 victory.
"In the second and third sets, it was the best team passing I have seen in my four years coaching our varsity team,” said R-P Coach Justin Birr. “Our passing helped our offense run more efficiently, and we put more balls away.”
R-P's Mady Snyder
R-P went on to lose to Cadillac in two sets in the Silver Bracket finals, 11-25, 19-25.
In pool play, R-P lost two straight-set matches to Ludington and Holland Christian and had a 1-1 tie against Oakridge.
Mady Snyder had a good day offensively with 17 kills, Mairyn Peterson added 13, Maddi Dyer had 12 and Alissa Klopp totaled 11. Grace Darke set up the offense with 46 assists and Megan Barmes led the defense with 37 digs.
“Overall, I was impressed with our girls for battling against some tough competition,” Birr said. “Although we did not come out with the best record, I am proud of how we developed throughout the day. We tried several different lineup combinations, and the girls just ran with it.
“The great thing about this group is that they know they have a lot to learn to compete with some of these higher-level teams, and they are willing to accept that challenge and work to improve.”
