The Coupeville High School tennis team played a woman short and it proved to be the difference in a 4-3 loss at Port Angeles Thursday, March 17.

The Wolves had only 10 players available for the match, and 11 are need to fill out a complete lineup. Coupeville, therefore, was forced to forfeit the third singles match.

Valen Trujillo won 6-3, 6-3 in first singles.

“She was a bit slow to warm up, but Valen shifted into overdrive, outlasting her opponent in rallies that seemed endless,” coach Ken Stange said. “Consistency plus power equals victory.”

Coupeville also won in first and second doubles.

Sage Renninger and Payton Aparicio prevailed 6-3, 6-3.

“This pair, after a long ninth grade season playing the same doubles spot, are now in position to dominate almost every opponent,” Stange said. “They have found a way to add power while maintaining consistency.”

Jazmine Franklin and McKenzie Bailey captured second doubles 6-4, 7-5.

“They’d be the top doubles team at just about any other school,” Stange said. “They went 14-2 last year in the same spot. They were very dominant today and will likely maintain that dominance all season long.”

Junior varsity player Makenzi LaRue stepped in to play second doubles and gave a “good effort,” according to Stange, but lost 6-0, 6-1.

Maggie Crimmins and Kamryn St. Onge fell 6-1, 7-5 in third doubles.

“They put up a good fight against an athletic team,” Stange said. “They almost pushed it to a third set. I think they will find their groove soon, and then the wins will come.”

Julianne Sem and Julia Borges lost 6-1, 6-0 in fourth doubles.

“It’s not easy joining a team and having to play varsity from day one,” Stange said. “It’ll be trial by fire, but I believe they will find their way.”

Coupeville’s match with Granite Falls, which was stopped because of rain with the Wolves leading 3-1 Monday, March 14, will be completed April 22.

Coupeville meets South Whidbey (1-1) at 3:30 p.m. Monday, March 21.