Saving its best match of the season for an opportune time, the Coupeville soccer team, behind a hat trick by Grayson Knott, knocked off host Meridian 3-0 in a loser-out, district game Thursday, May 5.

The Wolves move on to tri-district next week. The time, site and opponent have not been announced.

Coupeville coach Paul Mendes said, “We played our best and most complete game of the season…Starting with the defense, shutting them down all game, and the midfield and forwards linked-up well to produce scoring opportunities throughout the game.”

In the eighth minute, Knott stole the ball 20 yards out, eluded a defender and netted his first goal.

Knott, with an assist from Nathan Lamb, beat the Meridian keeper “with a well-placed shot,” according to Mendes, in the 45th minute.

In the 66th minute, Jack Caselden won a battle for a loose ball and dished a short pass to Knott for a close-range goal.

Isaac Wacker recorded the shutout in the goal.

Mendes said, “Everyone worked hard. We started sharp and the early goal really helped get us going…We have a number of players who are raising their game at the right time, which also gives us more tactical options to use during a match.”