Round one of the rivalry goes to South Whidbey.

The Falcons defeated host Coupeville 3-0 in a spirited volleyball match Thursday, Sept. 13.

In front of enthusiastic, boisterous student sections from both schools, South Whidbey won 25-19, 25-14, 25-17.

The Falcons (1-2) had too much firepower in the match, registering 28 kills to Coupeville’s 13 and 15 aces to the Wolves’ seven.

South Whidbey never trailed in the first game, steadily pulling away to a 24-14 lead. With Sydney Aparicio serving, the Wolves made a late surge, cutting it to 24-19, before the Falcons secured the win.

In the second set, Coupeville, thanks to a couple of kills by Hailey Hammer, led early and opened an 8-4 gap, then the Falcons worked back into an 11-11 tie. Behind Amelia Weeks’ four aces, South Whidbey went on an 8-0 run to pull away.

The Falcons dominated the third game, racing to a 12-4 lead. Coupeville, with the help of two Aparicio aces, trimmed it to 12-8 but never got closer.

Coupeville coach Toni Crebbin liked the hustle of her team as the Wolves often hit the ground (something they emphasized in practice this week) trying to dig out Falcon hits.

Crebbin, in particular, liked the “aggressive play” of Madeline Strasburg.

Hammer led Coupeville with five kills; Strasburg added four. Amanda Fabrizi collected 10 digs.

Coupeville (0-3) travels to Port Townsend for a 2 p.m. match Saturday, Sept. 15.