Rafaela Silva De Campos Conceicao moves in for the kill. (Andrew Williams photo)
There’s no quit in this group.
Missing three of their eight players Friday, the Coupeville High School girls’ tennis team had no chance to win their match against host Friday Harbor.
But that didn’t mean the Wolves went down easy.
Instead, it was the exact opposite, especially at first singles, where 8th grader Tenley Stuurmans played the best match of the season.
“Hell of a game from our Number 1 singles,” said CHS assistant coach Starla Seal.
With temps of 74 degrees in Friday Harbor, and another 10 degrees warmer on court, Stuurmans fought her way through a three-set thriller against a veteran foe, the battle playing out over nearly three hours.
“She was worn out and exhausted. Played her heart out,” Seal said. “We’re so proud of how she battled. I’ve never seen anyone play as hard as her.
“I’m excited to have her with us the next four years.”
With no home courts this season, the Wolf netters have spent the entire campaign living on the bus and ferry, something which will continue with the district tourney, which goes down next Friday, May 17 in Seattle.
It’s been a learning experience for the players and first-year coaches Seal and Tim Stelling, but the positives are definitely there.
“Great way to end the season with an exciting match to watch,” Seal said. “Win or lose, there’s something to take away and learn from this match.”
Friday results:
1st Singles — Tenley Stuurmans lost to Georgia Keune 6-7(8-10), 7-6(7-5), 10-5
1st Doubles — Kauri Hamilton/Sofia Phay lost to Kira Clark/Megan Mellinger 6-0, 6-0
2nd Doubles — Delanie Lewis/Rafaela Silva De Campos Conceicao lost to Nora Layton/Ava Martin 6-2, 6-0
Coupeville Sports 
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