In an exasperating match with Mount Vernon Christian, Coupeville finally eked out a 1-0 win but also took a loss Tuesday, Sept. 30, at Mickey Clark Field.
The Wolves dominated the action but had nothing to show for it until Micky LeVine, with an assist from Erin Rosenkranz, scored late in the game to break up the scoreless tie.
Moments later, however, defensive standout Jennifer Spark went down with a knee injury to darken the mood of the nonleague win over the Hurricanes (2-5).
At first it was appeared Spark tore an MCL, but a three-hour stay at the ER determined it was a sprain. Spark could return in several weeks, according to coach Troy Cowan.
Coupeville produced 15 shots on goal and created other opportunities with its 18 to totally control the match. The onslaught finally paid off when LeVine hit the game winner.
“We spent a lot of time in practice this week on winning those all-important 50/50 balls and checking all the way to the ball,” Cowan said. “(I) don’t have all the numbers in front of me right now but would speculate we won probably 85 to 90 percent of all free balls. The girls really focused on winning the ball and maintaining possession.”
Cowan said his defensive line of Spark, Jacquelyn Ginnings, Ivy Luvera and McKenzie Meyer “absolutely controlled the pitch with sheer determination and hustle and sweat.”
He also like the aggressive play of Mia Littlejohn and noted the strong performances of Sage Renninger, Rosenkranz, Ana Luvera, Lauren Bayne and LeVine.
LeVine is a “very special player that seems to find herself in the right place at the right time,” Cowan said. “Mickey is a powerful catalyst that sparks a lot of offense.”
The Wolves (3-2) head to Bremerton (1-4) for a match with a 2A Olympic League team at 6:45 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9.
That match will be followed by the final non-conference contest at noon Saturday, Oct. 11, at Crosspoint Academy (4-3-1) in Bremerton.
Crosspoint, the defending 2B state champion, is led by Emma Laurion. Laurion lived in Coupeville as a youngster and got her start in soccer on Central Whidbey.
Heading into this season, Laurion had 82 goals, 62 assists and three all-state selections.
