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COOPERSVILLE – The Reeths-Puffer volleyball team’s season came to an end on Wednesday night with a three-set loss to Mona Shores in Division 1 district semifinal action at Coopersville High School.

The Rockets fell by scores of 25-7, 25-17 and 25-15 .

While R-P’s final overall record of 12-23 may not seem impressive at first glance, it was much better than its seven-win season in 2023.

“We definitely improved as a team,” said R-P head coach Justin Birr. “Where these seniors were last year to where they are at now is leaps and bounds more improved and more confident. To get to double digit wins is something.”
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R-P's Makayla Disselkoen tries to get a shot past an opponent. Photo/Jeremy Clark

The team’s growth this season was spurred by the growth of the nine seniors who played their last match for the Rockets on Wednesday.

“They’re pretty awesome,” Birr said about the seniors. “I said in the huddle at the end that I don’t like to play favorites as a teacher and coach, but these girls are special. This group has stuck together the whole time and truly cares about each other. It’s been one of my favorite groups.”

On Wednesday, Mona Shores flexed dominance from the beginning, jumping out to an 8-2 lead after the first 10 points of the match.

The Rockets were unable to climb the uphill challenge and ultimately fell 25-7 in the first set.
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R-P's Maddi Dyer sets up a shot. Photo/Jeremy Clark

In the second set, things started out more competitive with the score tied 3-3 after the first six points.

Mona Shores then went on a 16-5 run to take a 19-8 lead, which helped the Sailors ultimately win the sett 25-17.

In the final set, the Rockets got off to a tough start, falling behind 7-0 before finally getting on the board.

The score was 24-10 before Reeths-Puffer scored five of the final six points, bu thte Rockets still fell 25-15.
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Disselkoen (7) and Hailey Johnsen (13) keep a ball in play. Photo/Jeremy Clark

“They played their hearts out,” Birr said. “That’s all that really matters. We played to our strengths, but their strengths are just that much stronger.”

Alissa Klopp led the Rockets with five kills. Maddi Dyer had 11 assists along with six digs.

Madi Snyder totaled three kills, two digs and one ace while Carlee Bowen had 11 digs and one ace.

The Rockets will now focus on building for next year, with six returning players and some promising newcomers on the way.

“Looking at how our freshmen and junior varsity teams played in conference is exciting” Birr said about preparing for next season. “Our freshmen only lost one or two conference matches while the junior varsity was above five hundred. So, it gives me hope for the future, but we’ll have to build on it.”
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