The Coupeville Wolves proved Saturday at the South Whidbey Invitational Volleyball Tournament that it’s not the size of your school that matters, it’s how your team comes together to get things done. Out of 16 schools at the invitational, the 1A Coupeville placed ninth in a field full of 3A and 4A schools.

It’s actually the second year coach Kim Meche has taken her Wolves to the south end tourney, and they “returned this year because of the stiff competition,” she said.

The tournament field is broken into pools where the early games determine who will move through the winners’ bracket, based on wins and total points scored in the games played.

Coupeville began the day facing Edmonds-Woodway, dropping a two game match of 11-5 and 15-12. Breaking even or oh-so-close seemed to be the theme for the Wolves’ day as they ran against Lynden Christian 9-15 and 11-15, and Cedarcrest 10-15 and 15-13.

“We had a lot of high scoring games, so that really helped us,” Meche said.

Next up for the Wolves was a north versus south cat and dog fight with the Wildcats of Oak Harbor. Coupeville walked away the victors, going 12-15, 15-8 and 15-5. The southenders, and host of the day’s tournament, the South Whidbey Falcons, didn’t fare much better against Coupeville’s Central Whidbey-raised girls. Coupeville beat South Whidbey High School 16-14 and 15-7.

At the end of the day, based on points accumulated, Coupeville placed ninth in the field of 16.

“I feel pretty good about the fact we were able to stand up against the bigger teams,” coach Meche said.

That good feeling is one the Wolves undoubtedly want to keep as the season progresses. The Wolves played Orcas yesterday, and the results were not available as of late afternoon. The Wolves travel to play LaConner Thursday.