The same ingredients that spoiled so many games for the Coupeville High School girls basketball team this year flavored the Wolves’ 48-22 loss to visiting Nooksack Valley Wednesday, Feb. 8.

Poor shooting and poor ball handling doomed the Wolves once again in the loser-out game of the opening round of district tournament play.

The Wolves shot only 17.5 percent (10-for-57) to 40 percent (20-for-50) for the Pioneers, and committed 19 turnovers to Nooksack’s 16.

Rebounding was also a problem for Coupeville as the Pioneers dominated the boards 52-33. The Wolves, who generally block out well, surrendered 22 offensive rebounds.

With the score tied at 6 with 4:20 left in the first quarter, Nooksack Valley (8-13) hit three straight shots and then finished the quarter with a 16-8 lead.

The second quarter was dismal for Coupeville. The Wolves committed 10 turnovers, gave up seven offensive boards and hit only one of nine shots. The result: a 20-point deficit, 31-11, at the half.

The Wolves had only one turnover in the third quarter and hit four of 17 shots, but Nooksack still led 43-20 going into the final period.

Coupeville (2-17) couldn’t cut into the lead, making only one of 13 fourth-quarter tries.

Coach Jackie Bykonen was disappointed in her team’s offensive execution: “We will need to work hard in the off season.”

Bykonen gave ample playing time to underclassmen to give them a taste of varsity action. Coupeville returns six varsity players next year, and Bykonen added, “The JV kids have a great attitude.”

Katie Smith paced the offense with 11 points, Cassidi Rosenkrance scored four, Bessie Walstad four, Amanda Fabrizi two and Jai’Lysa Hoskins one.

The game was the final one for seniors Smith, Rosenkrance, Grace LaPoint, Shelby Kulz and Taya Boonstra.