Katrina McGranahan leans into a new season. (John Fisken photos)
The CHS varsity has a pre-match get-together.
Hope Lodell unleashes.
Maddy Hilkey sets up the offense, under the watchful eye of teammate Allison Wenzel.
Wolf frosh Maya Toomey-Stout elevates.
They stared down the big dogs and lived to tell about it.
Coupeville may be one of the smallest 1A schools in the state, but its spikers showed no fear Saturday, facing off with two huge schools at a season-opening jamboree.
Host Oak Harbor is a 3A school, while Mt. Vernon calls 4A home.
Whatever they lacked in numbers, the Wolves made up in grit and hustle.
“We did well – I’m very optimistic about our starting point this early in the season,” said CHS coach Cory Whitmore. “It was great to get playing someone other than each other and come together to showcase what we’ve worked hard on so far.”
As the Wolves sparred with the Wildcats and Bulldogs, they stayed focused on the areas their first-year head coach had outlined for them.
“I was happy that we left each game with something specific we improved upon,” Whitmore said. “Our passing was a big focus and by the end that was a skill I felt like saw the most growth.”
Coupeville got plenty of floor time, with both its varsity and JV getting two matches each.
“We remained competitive with everyone; we even took a game from Oak Harbor,” Whitmore said. “I’m pleased with the two squads’ baseline that we set today.
“Now it’s about taking steps forward in each contest and practice.”
The Wolves open regular season play Tuesday (4:30 JV/6:00 varsity), with the first of five straight home matches.
Their foe on opening night is Mount Vernon Christian, which went 18-5 and finished fourth at state in 1B last season.
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