Bad starts in games have been problematic for the Reeths-Puffer lacrosse team as the new season has unfolded.
The young Rockets, with a lot of first-year players, have been finding themselves with big deficits far too early in games, and that affects how the team plays the rest of the way, according to R-P Coach Josh Robidoux.
“We have to start out quicker than we have been,” said Robidoux, whose team lost its latest outing on Tuesday, 14-2 to Holland Christian. “As games progress, we find our rhythm a little more, but starting down as bad as we have and needing to claw out has been pushing our tempo on offense and forcing bad looks.
R-P's Braeden Monette
“You wonder how much that could change the outlook of a game to start with momentum. We'll continue to work toward controlled and solid opportunities on offense, and more connected, whole team defense.”
Against Holland Christian, the Rockets found themselves trailing 5-0 after the first quarter and 8-1 at halftime.
The only R-P goal in the first half came from Braedon Monette, who was assisted by Blake Kiel.
R-P's Hunter Adams
Holland Christian had a 4-1 edge in in the third quarter and led 12-2 headed into the fourth. Hunter Adams scored for Reeths-Puffer.
The Maroons wrapped things up with two more goals in the fourth quarter.
The Rockets, now 1-5 on the season, will take a breather during spring break, then return to action on April 16 with a game at Zeeland West.