The Coupeville High School volleyball team finished eighth out of 16 teams at the South Whidbey Invitational Tournament Saturday, Sept. 20.

“We had a great tournament,” coach Breanne Smedley said.

“I’m really pleased in the direction this team is headed as we continue to work hard and play together.”

Highlights in the tournament were shutout wins over Lopez and Seattle Christian.

In the win over Seattle Christian, Coupeville scooted to a 13-1 lead as Kyla Briscoe served 12 straight points.

Smedley was pleased with the defensive effort in the two wins, as Lopez and Seattle Christian failed to reach 14 points in any games.

“Our defense really started to step up when Valen Trujillo (defensive specialist) had to sit out of the playoff games due to knee pain,” Smedley said.

“Madeline Strasburg was a spark plug defensively and at the net,” Smedley added. “Lauren Rose grew a lot as she set the entire day.”

Coupeville (0-3) hosts Mount Vernon Christian (2-1) at 6:15 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, in a nonleague match.