Coupeville Sports

Wolf 8th grader Capri Anter has a bright softball future. (Photo by JohnsPhotos.net)

It was informal, but hugely helpful.

Coupeville High School’s JV softball team got one more go-around on the diamond Friday, playing a four-inning game with host South Whidbey in which no score or stats were kept.

While they might not have gotten an official win, the Wolves did score the maximum number of runs allowed, with JV rules limiting teams to five tallies per inning.

What mattered most, however, was getting more field time for young players before bats and balls are officially put away for the season.

“It was a beautiful day to play some softball, and that’s just what we did,” said Coupeville JV coach Katrina McGranahan.

“We were able to show them just how powerful our future is.”

While all of her players had their star moments, the softball guru gave praise to three Wolves, two of whom have the potential for long diamond careers.

Capri Anter and Melanie Wolfe are just 8th graders, and the extra season of softball has been invaluable.

“Melanie crushed a line drive to left field, earning her a double,” McGranahan said. “Man, what a confidence booster.

“I’m proud of her and how she was able to stick with the sport.”

With Coupeville’s three varsity pitchers graduating, Anter and fellow 8th grader Haylee Armstrong are the early frontrunners to inherit the job as freshmen.

As a former Wolf ace who prowled the pitcher’s circle from day #1 of her own 9th grade season, McGranahan knows the benefits of getting in as much work as possible.

“Capri pitched well today!” the CHS coach said.

“Yeah, she may have hit a few girls, but hey, she stayed with it and fought through her frustrations to end the game with a solid comeback.”

While Wolfe and Anter can return next season, foreign exchange student Layla Heo returns to South Korea soon and McGranahan wanted to make sure the hard-working softball newbie would get one more time in the spotlight.

“Layla got to play in her last game for the Wolves before she heads home after the school year! Bittersweet,” McGranahan said.

“She has improved so much as a player and as a person; I know she will be missed by her whole team.”