The Coupeville High School volleyball won its first set of the season Thursday, Sept. 11, but the one win was not enough as visiting Friday Harbor took the nonleague match 3-1.
After being blanked at South Whidbey Tuesday, the Wolves dropped the first two sets to the Wolverines, 25-10 and 25-14, before posting a thrilling 33-31 win in the third game.
Friday Harbor (2-0) secured the win with a 25-18 victory in the fourth set.
In the third-game win, Coupeville faced match point five times but rallied to take the set.
Coach Breanne Smedley said her team’s play improved from the opener with South Whidbey: “We were fighting, fighting every single play. I thought we played with some heart.”
She also praised the defensive play of Kacie Kiel and Valen Trujillo: “Kacie was moving all over the court; Valen was the same way. They held down the court.”
On offense, Hailey Hammer “did a good job of executing,” Smedley said. “She was hitting spots.”
Hammer recorded nine kills and four aces; Kiel had four kills, two blocks and 13 digs; McKenzie Bailey added four kills; Trujillo had 13 digs; Miranda Engle served two aces; and Sydney Autio had nine assists.
Coupeville (0-2) travels to Orcas Island (0-0) for a 4 p.m. match Thursday, Sept. 18.