Reeths-Puffer enjoyed the best team finish at the Jenison
Invitational that it's had in coach Matt Pallett's five-year tenure
Friday, taking third place in the competitive event.
The
Rockets' team score was 367, only one stroke behind second-place St.
Joseph. It was 16 strokes better than the team's previous best in the
event since Pallett became coach.
Senior Sophia McCollum
started the season in the same place she ended last year - in first
place. She shot a three-over par 75, tying for first with Izzy Tawoda of
meet champion Byron Center. McCollum made two birdies and was only more
than one over par on one hole.
“Sophia had a very good day,"
Pallett said. "It was not maybe up to her standards, but she played very
well and hit some big shots today."
Olivia Ambler posted an
86, a six-stroke improvement from last year at the same meet and good
for a seventh-place tie overall. She also made two birdies. Ella
Voorhies shot a 95, and freshman Abby Davis closed out R-P scoring with a
111. Davis was one of three freshmen playing for the Rockets, along
with Mia Hanichen and Tala Johnson.
“I have three freshmen that were introduced to one of the toughest courses
that they will play this year," Pallett said. "They were all mentally tough even though
they had some tough stretches of golf...Those three freshmen, with
the mental toughness they showed today, are going to see a lot of
improvement this year.”
