The Reeths-Puffer girls golf team kicked off its 2026 season on Friday by picking up where it left off last year – with a great performance.

The Rockets shot a combined score of 367 and finished third out of 13 teams at the Sydney Carfine Memorial Tournament at The Meadows at Grand Valley State University.

It was R-P’s best team finish at the Carfine event in its five years under Coach Matt Pallett. The Rockets topped their team score from last year by 30 strokes.

Sophia McCollom, who tied for first place.

R-P finished behind first-place Byron Center (339) and second-place St. Joseph (366).

Individually, R-P senior Sophia McCollum, the defending Division 2 state champion, tied for first place in a field of 76 golfers by shooting a round of 75. She had birdies on the first and seventh holes.

She tied for the top spot with Byron Center’s Izzy Tawoda and earned an All-Tournament medal.

Two other Rockets also finished in the top 20 individually and won All-Tournament medals.

R-P medalists Olivia Ambler, McCollum, Ella Voorhies.

Senior Olivia Ambler shot an 86 – six strokes better than last year – and tied for seventh place in the tournament. Senior Ella Voorhies shot a 97 and tied for 17^th place.

Freshman Abby Davis was R-P’s fourth and final scorer, shooting a 111 in her varsity debut.

Freshmen Mia Hanichen and Tala Johnson also competed, shooting 132 and 137, respectively.

“It was a great start to the year for the Rockets,” Pallett said. “My three seniors stepped up and performed well. All three improved their scores from last year and earned medals.

R-P freshmen Tala Johnson, Abby Davis and Mia Hanichen.

“Sophia had a very good day. It was not maybe up to her standards, but she played very well and hit some big shots today.  Both Ella and Olivia started off a little rough but really turned their rounds around with solid golf. I am proud of my three seniors and their leadership.

“I have three freshmen that were introduced to one of the toughest courses that they will play this year. They were all mentally tough even though they had some tough stretches of golf.  Abby Davis had a great round in her debut and Mia and Tala battled all day. Those three freshmen with the mental toughness they showed today are going to see a lot of improvement this year.

“I am excited about the potential of this team.”

The Rockets will be back in action on Tuesday and Wednesday at Crystal Mountain for a two-day tournament.