A four-run seventh inning was two runs short as the Coupeville High School softball team lost 8-6 at Granite Falls Tuesday, April 16.

Down 8-2, the Wolves rallied in their final at bat.

With one out MaKayla Bailey got things started with a double, then Maria Rockwell singled. Hailey Hammer’s sacrificed fly to center scored Bailey. After Bessie Walstad walked, Madeline Strasburg drove the ball off the top of the fence for a two-run triple. Bree Messner followed with a single to score Strasburg, but a strike out ended the comeback effort.

After the Wolves failed to score in the second inning after loading the bases with no outs, a walk, error and three hits helped the Tigers take a 3-0 lead in the third.

Coupeville responded with two in the fourth. Hammered doubled and Walstad and Strasburg singled to score the runs.

Granite Falls (7-2, 8-3) pushed across three more runs in their half of the fourth, then got two more in the fifth to go up 8-2.

Strasburg finished 4-for-4 with a triple and four RBI.

Despite the loss co-coach David King was pleased with his club’s effort: “The team really came out focused and ready to play.”

He lauded the defensive play of the team (only one error), the defensive work at of Hammer at third base and the pitching of Bailey and Rockwell.

In regard to the offense, He said, “Madi Strasburg … has improved and has made herself a threat every time she steps up to the plate. Bessie and Maria are starting to warm up with their hitting. Hailey Hammer is hitting well like she has all season long. Bree has been working hard on improving her swing and she, and we, are starting to see some good results.”

He added, “We need to continue to work on our mental part of the game, especially on the offensive side of things.”

Coupeville (4-5, 5-5) plays Sultan (5-5, 6-6) at home at 4 p.m. Thursday, April 18.