The Reeths-Puffer girls bowling team is hoping success breeds success this season.
Last year the Rocket girls were the more successful of the two R-P bowling teams, finishing runner-up at both the Greater Muskegon Athletic Association City Tournament and in the O-K Green conference..
Five Rockets finished among the top 12 bowlers in the conference.
R-P's Brook Buchan
This year’s squad won’t be exactly the same, because the two best players – Bianca Kammers and Brenna Ackerman – have graduated and moved on, but there’s plenty left in the tank for the Rockets.
Hailey Johnsen, Rowan Bluhm and Brook Buchan all earned honorable mention All-Conference honors, and are back to anchor the team in their senior year. Ella Mattson, another strong senior, is also back in the lineup.
Two returning sophomores are Kaila Uhlig and Destani Villapando. Jaden Husted and Avianna McCoy are new to the team.
R-P's Hailey Johnsen
“It’s actually really good,” said new head coach Karla Buchan, who was the assistant coach last year.. “We had two strong seniors exit from last year. But we still bring back four really competitive and strong senior bowlers who are taking ownership of the team.”
The players are apparently pumped up and ready to pick up where they left off, according to the coach.
“The girls have gotten along really well,” Buchan said. “The spirits are high and the girls are really excited about the season.”
The Rockets will compete in a revamped O-K Green conference, where there will be some unknowns.
R-P's Rowan Bluhm
Gone are Grand Rapids Union, Wyoming and Zeeland. Entering the conference are Byron Center, Jenison and Caledonia.
The R-P boys coach said he believes the new teams will be very good, making conference competition challenging for his squad. Coach Buchan said she doesn’t know much about the new opponents on the girls side, but believes her players can go head-to-head with anyone.
Both R-P teams will find out a lot more about the conference opponents on Friday during the O-K Green Preseason Tournament. That will follow Monday’s season opener, a dual match against Grand Haven at Sherman Lanes.
“We’re not seeing the same competition as in years past,” Coach Buchan said. “We’re not aware of how strong the new teams are. But with our strong bowlers, as long as we come out consistent, we shouldn’t have a problem pacing. We think we can have a strong winning season.”