The Coupeville High School softball team finished conference play with a 4-1 loss at Sultan Thursday, May 9, and will now look to make a run through the district tournament.

The Wolves begin district play against Lynden Christian (6-14) in Sedro-Woolley at 4 p.m. Friday, May 10. Win or lose, Coupeville plays again at 6 p.m. against Meridian (5-14) or Nooksack Valley (12-8) in the eight-team, double-elimination tournament.

District play continues at noon Saturday; three teams advance to tri-district.

Coupeville (5-13, 6-13) managed only five hits in the loss to Sultan (8-10, 9-11).

The lone run came in the fourth with the help of two Turk errors. Maria Rockwell singled, then Hailey Hammer tapped back to the pitcher. The pitcher’s throw to second to force Rockwell flew into centerfield, then the throw back into the infield got away, allowing Rockwell to score.

Sultan scored in the first with the help of a leadoff triple, then added two unearned runs in the third.

A hit batter, stolen base and single pushed across the Turks’ final run.

Coupeville threatened in the seventh with one-out singles by Bessie Walstad (her second hit of the game) and McKayla Bailey. Two strikeouts ended the inning.

Madi Roberts had the defensive play of the game, throwing a strike from left field to cut down a run at the plate.

Co-coach David King said Rockwell and Bailey “pitched well most of the game.”

They combined for an eight-hitter, and Rockwell struck out seven.

In regard to offense, he said, “We aren’t as a team squaring up the ball when the count is in our favor. We need to be more disciplined at bat. We are looking to pull every pitch instead of keeping our head down and going with the pitch.”