The Coupeville High School tennis team took its first step — a big one — on the way to winning the Olympic League title by clipping Klahowya 5-2 in Silverdale Friday, Sept. 18.

The Eagles are the defending conference champions. They also handed Coupeville its only two league losses in 2014.

The Wolves rode its depth to the win Friday, sweeping all four doubles matchups.

“The match was much closer than the team score would indicate,” coach Ken Stange said. “We found ourselves in situation where we needed to win two of the three matches left on the court. Fortunately, we won all three.”

Klahowya claimed wins in No. 1 and No. 2 singles, stopping Sebastian Davis (6-0, 6-4) and Connor McCormick (7-5, 2-9, 6-3).

“Klahowya has a ninth grader (Taylor File) who looks to be the top player in the league,” Stange said. “Sebastian put up a good fight in the second set, but that kid is tough.”

Cole Payne, playing tennis for the first time after switching from football, captured third singles 6-3, 1-6, 10-8.

“We played well on the doubles courts,” Stange said.

“There’s a lot of experience there. The ones and fours were very businesslike, figuring out winning recipes in a hurry.

“The twos and threes found the going a bit more rough, especially the twos. After being dominant in the opener, they let the Klahowya pair back into the match. Joey and Will have a knack for closing the door on their opponents, though.”

Doubles results: 1, Joseph Wedekind/John McClarin won 6-3, 6-1; 2, Joey Lippo/William Nelson won 6-0, 5-7, 6-4; 3, Jimmy Myers/Lilan Sekigawa won 7-6, 6-4; and 4, Grey Rische/Jared Helmstadter won 6-2, 6-2.

Coupeville also won two of the five JV doubles contests: Nick Etzell/Garrett Compton won 6-3, and Nile Lockwood/Aiden Crimmins won 6-0.

The Wolves (2-0, 1-0) go to Langley to meet South Whidbey at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24.