After battling three opponents down to the wire and coming close to winning over the past few weeks, the Reeths-Puffer lacrosse team finally broke into the victory column on Tuesday night.
The Rockets defeated Kenowa Hills 14-6 and improved to 1-3 on the season.
Kyler Brainard was the offensive hero with six goals and two assists. Carson Cooper added three goals and four assists.
The R-P defense also stood tall, holding Kenowa Hills to single digits in a sport where high scores are the norm.
R-P's Ethan Pennington (20) goes high to make a pass. Photo/Joe Lane
“It feels great to get that first win of the season,” said R-P Coach Josh Robidoux. “We knew that things would start to click for us, and it was evident that the guys came out ready from start to finish. I know this is just the beginning of many great things to come this season.
“Our message in the locker room has been consistent: we know the type of team we are and the brand of lacrosse that we can play; it's just a matter of consistently being that team for 4 full quarters.”
R-P got off to a great start, grabbing a 5-0 lead after one quarter.
Kyler Brainard scored a pair of goals for the Rockets in the first while Carson Cooper, Brooks Johnson and Owen Greiner all added single tallies.
Cohen Beck (2) tries to get past a Kenowa Hills opponent. Photo/Joe Lane
The teams traded goals in the second quarter, with Brainard scoring his third and Johnson scoring his second, and R-P led 7-2 at halftime.
Luke Callender and Cooper found the net in the third quarter, helping the Rockets build a 9-3 lead.
Reeths-Puffer finished things off with ifve goals in the final quarter – including three more from Brainard, who scored three of the first four goals in the fourth. Cooper and Levi Carlson finished off the attack for the Rockets.
R-P's Gaviin Wright makes a save in goal. Photo/Joe Lane
Coach Rabidoux credited Carlson, Avery Wolfe-Sabo, Parker Sweet and Mason Cregg for great defensive play.
“I thought the defense looked excellent tonight,” he said. “Between our penalty kill and patiently waiting for the right moments to pressure their offense, they showed a lot of composure tonight.
“Our offense is clicking. When they remain diligent in looking for the looks we want to attack, they find the back of the net.”
The Rockets will visit Grand Rapids Christian on Friday.
