Kalia Littlejohn (right) punched home two more goals Friday, giving her six in six games. (Sylvia Hurlburt photo)
A lock-down defense and an explosive offense are a beautiful combination.
With total control of both sides of the ball Friday night, the Coupeville High School girls’ soccer squad romped to a 5-0 non-conference win over visiting Orcas Island.
The victory, coming in the team’s first game after an eight-day break, evened the Wolves record at 2-2-2.
CHS spread its offense around, with Kalia Littlejohn leading the way. The freshman punched the ball in twice to run her team-best total to six goals in six games.
Big sis Mia Littlejohn tacked on her fourth goal of the season, while Sage Renninger and Jenn Spark each connected for their second.
Spark’s goal came off of a penalty kick, set up when teammate Kirsten Pelroy was roughed up on a play in the box.
“Our ever-ready energy bunny, Kirsten, drew a foul and, of course Jennifer crushed the free look and it was a wrap,” said Coupeville coach Troy Cowan.
“Overall, the team played well and we are really starting to come together,” he added. “Really proud of our intensity in practice, the girls are starting to figure it out. The harder we work in practice the easier the game comes to them; it’s magical!!!”
While the goal scorers get the headlines, Cowan also shone his spotlight brightly on his role players.
“I want to commend our bench players, they all played hard and have really contributed to the team success,” he said. “They are as responsible for our success and those goals as the girls that scored them!!”
While the Wolves rained down goals, their defense, anchored by goalie Lauren Grove, was on point.
“As usual, our rookie goalie was lights out!,” Cowan said. “Can’t say enough good things about Lauren Grove, she is amazing!!!
“Defense was on lock-down, ’nuff said!”
While Coupeville pounded Orcas on the field, the Wolves made sure the Vikings, who had a long trip ahead of them, didn’t go home empty-handed.
The Littlejohn’s mom, Dawn Hesselgrave, initiated a plan to feed all the Orcas players from both the soccer and volleyball squads, who had traveled to Whidbey together.
“Tonight’s MVP, no question,” Cowan said. “Dawn came to me over a month ago with this idea and she took the bull by the horn and got the job done!!!
“Not only did this incredible woman demonstrate outstanding sportsmanship to our Lady Wolves, she embodies attributes of sainthood!!,” he added. “What an amazing gesture of kindness and act of love and all on behalf of our young Lady Wolves.
“It gives me great pride and honor to call Dawn my friend, team mom and tonight’s match MVP. Thank you, Dawn!”
Coupeville Sports 