Dodging rain drops, the Coupeville tennis team recorded an important 3-2 win over visiting Friday Harbor Saturday, April 16.

The Wolves also dropped a nonleague match 5-0 to visiting South Whidbey Friday, April 15.

The win over Friday Harbor evened the best-of-three series to determine the champion of their two-team league at 1-1. The two teams pair up again Saturday, April 30, at 11 a.m. at Friday Harbor in the title-deciding match.

The Wolves’ two singles players, Emily Burchfield (6-4, 6-4) and Lexi Blanchette (6-0, 6-2), earned wins along with Jessica Riddle and Brooke Monroe in first doubles (6-2, 6-3).

Burchfield battled through an ankle injury to collect her win. Coach Ken Stange said, “Because she was less than 100 percent physically, she had to play smart by being selective about when she went full out. I was impressed by the way she overcame adversity to pull out the match against a good opponent.”

Stange said Blanchette “was able to dictate the tempo of just about every point.”

Although her usual playing partner Amanda d’Almeida was absent, Riddle blended with Monroe for the win.

Stange said, “Brooke stepped up in a big way today…I was especially impressed with the way they both jelled together quickly.”

Grayson Akins and Jamie Price were nipped in second doubles, 6-7(3-7), 7-6(8-6), 9-11; and Haley Marx and Rachael Parker fell in third doubles 2-8. The match was shortened to a pro set because of the late start caused by rain delays.

The Wolves were blanked by South Whidbey but most of the matches were close.

Stange said, “One of the reasons why I love playing South Whidbey is because from top to bottom their lineup is always filled with strong tennis players. It is our best opportunity for the whole team to play quality opponents who will push our players harder than any other opponents.”

In singles play, Burchfield fell 6-4, 0-6, 1-6; and Blanchette lost 4-6, 2-6.

Riddle and d’Almeida dropped No. 1 doubles 2-7, 5-7; Marx and Monroe lost in second doubles 5-7, 6-2, 0-6; and Akins and Price fell in third doubles 1-8.

The Wolves journey to Granite Falls today, April 18, at 3 p.m.