Coupeville High School is entering its third year in the Olympic League, and three of the Wolves’ four fall teams are seeking their first title. The tennis team, on the other hand, is taking a different stance – one of defense.

The Wolves are the defending conference champions, posting a perfect 4-0 mark in 2015 and finishing 5-3 overall.

Coupeville boasted strong singles play the past two years but will now turn to its doubles depth to collect wins.

Gone are Sebastian Davis and Connor McCormick, who finished 1-2 in Olympic League singles last fall. Back are two doubles teams and a third made up of varsity letter winners.

Juniors Joey Lippo and William Nelson return for their third year playing together; last season they placed third in the league tournament and seventh at district.

Lack of singles depth could be a problem, according to coach Ken Stange: “We have some untested players who will vie for the three singles spots. The competition should be difficult, and we should see some positive results as the season progresses.”

Other lettermen are seniors Joseph Wedekind, John McClarin, Jimmy Myers, and Grey Rische; and sophomore Nick Etzell.

Wedekind was one of the team captains last fall, Myers was voted Most Inspirational and Jakobi Baumann earned Most Improved honors.

Key newcomers, according to Stange, are seniors  Aiden Crimmins and Nick Blalock; sophomores Jakobi Baumann,  Jaschon Baumann, Tiger Johnson and Nile Lockwood; and freshmen Mason Grove, Koby Schreiber and Elliot Johnson.

Stange said the team’s goals are to defend the league title and for the players to grow in their game, have fun, be academic superstars and earn as many spots in the district tournament as possible.

“The season will be a success if we’re able to defend the title,” he said. “Failing that, we will be successful if each and every player works his tail off.”

Coupeville hits the road for its first match at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6, in Port Angeles, followed by the home opener with Sequim at 3:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 12.