Make that two straight hard-luck losses for the Reeths-Puffer girls soccer team.
On Friday the Rockets lost an early lead and fell 2-1 to West Ottawa.
On Tuesday that frustrating trend continued when R-P failed to find the net and lost a 1-0 heartbreaker to powerful Grand Haven at R-P’s Eric Marcil Field.
The loss dropped the Rockets to 0-3 on the season, but considering the opposition so far, R-P head coach Kody Harrell isn't overly dismayed.
Grand Haven was a Division 1 state semifinal team last year. East Grand Rapids, who the Rockets played in their first game, is also a very strong squad..
R-P goalie Sara Carlson, who stopped 14 of 15 shots.
“East Grand Rapids, West Ottawa and Grand Haven would be quite a stretch of games at any point in the season, and to have it be the first three games is challenging,” Harrell said. “Our girls are growing right before our eyes and really stepping up their game to another level. We will be more than prepared come playoff time with this schedule, and that’s the goal.”
The game was scoreless until late in the second half when Grand Haven finally got a goal with about eight minutes remaining.
The Buccaneers had a 15-8 advantage in shots on goal.
R-P goalie Sara Carlson turned in her second straight great performance, stopping 14 of 15 shots.
Harrell credited defenders Mallorie Messer, Ashley Bradley, Chloe Brainard and Gracie Callender for helping Carlson keep the score close. He also credited Reese Tryska for keeping her teammates organized on the field.
The Rockets will try to get in the victory column on Friday when they visit Cedar Springs.