Mental mistakes proved costly to the Coupeville High School softball team as it lost 8-1 at Granite Falls Wednesday, March 29.

The Wolves had three runners doubled off, thwarting would-be rallies.

Defense was a mixed bag. Coupeville committed no physical errors, but decision making was suspect.

Co-coach David King said his team wasn’t “throwing to the correct base to get the lead runner or throwing to the proper base on a hit to the outfield.”

Also, a miscommunication between fielders allowed a pop fly to drop for a hit.

He added, “Once we correct these mental mistakes we will get back to playing well in all aspects of the game.”

Granite Falls (2-2, 3-3) scored one run in the first on a walk, stolen base and single, then tacked on four more in the third on four singles and a triple. That was all the Tigers would need to grab the win.

Coupeville’s lone run came in the seventh. Hailey Hammer led off with a single and moved to second on a passed ball. With one out Haley Sherman singled Hammer home.

McKayla Bailey topped the offense with two hits, including a double. Madeline Strasburg also doubled. Madi Roberts, Hammer, Sherman and Sydney Aparicio all singled.

Maria Rockwell started in the circle and Bailey took over in the middle of the third inning.

Leftfielder Sherman sparkled on defense with two outstanding catches, King said.

Hammer also played well at first and third, according to King, and centerfielder Strasburg threw out a runner trying to advance from first to third on a single.

The Wolves (1-2, 2-2) host Sultan (2-2, 3-3) at 4 p.m. Friday, March 29.