The Reeths-Puffer lacrosse team collected an easy win and celebrated on Monday, on the final night of the regular season.
The Rockets defeated Northville 19-6 on Senior Night, when they honored 17 players who are nearing the end of their varsity careers.
Now the Rockets will prepare for a big night on Thursday, when they face a very good Jenison squad in a bit of a grudge match in the first round of regionals.
On May 2 the Rockets were alone in first place in the O-K Conference Tier 3 division, and a victory over Jenison that night would have all but guaranteed a championship.
Kyler Brainard
But R-P lost 13-12, despite a furious late comeback, leaving the two teams tied for first place.
The standings still say the teams are tied at the top of the conference, but according to league rules, Jenison won the championship and the trophy based on allowing fewer opposing goals during the season.
It was the same fate that the Reeths-Puffer hockey team met a few months ago, when it finished in a tie for first place with Sparta in the O-K Fischer Division, but lost the championship based on scoring stats.
The hockey team went on to beat Sparta and gain some revenge in the postseason, and the lacrosse squad will have a similar opportunity on Thursday against Jenison in the first round of Division 2 regionals at R-P at 6 p.m.
The winner will advance to the second round of regionals while the loser will be done for the season.
Photo/Joe Lane
“We hope that people in the community come out to support us on Thursday for our regional game, which is sure to be a great rematch,” said R-P Coach Josh Robidoux. “We're ready to battle!”
In Monday's game, senior Kyler Brainard once again led the R-P scoring attack, this time with four goals. That followed his five-goal performance in a victory over Coopersville last week.
Luke Callender and Connor Stawski both added three goals while Ian Wright and Cohen Beck both had two.
Owen Greiner, Carson Cooper and Mason Cregg each scored one goal for the Rockets, who improved to 11-4 overall on the season and 10-1 in conference play.
Photo/Joe Lane
JT Fansler contributed three assists.
The Rockets took control early in the contest, breaking out to a 6-0 lead after one quarter. They led 11-4 at halftime and 17-6 after three quarters.
“Tonight was a great way to cap off the regular season,” Robidoux said. “I'm glad we had the opportunity to acknowledge our large graduating group and celebrate their hard work and accomplishments this season.
“It was also great to celebrate all the incredible families that make up the RP lacrosse community. From scorekeepers and announcers to concessions volunteers and team dinner hosts, our program is so great because of the people that make it up.”