It wasn’t the ideal situation for the Coupeville High School girls basketball team when it faced Meridian in a non-league game in Laurel Saturday, Jan. 13.

The Wolves were forced to face the Trojans (11-2), one of the state’s best 1A teams, without two injured starters while two other starters sat large chucks of time because of foul trouble. The undermanned Wolves lost 59-21.

“Post game we talked about the experience and that Meridian is a very good basketball team,” Coupeville coach David King said. “We can learn from them with their court awareness and calm demeanor.

“Overall it’s a loss; however, I think we grew a little today and the players recognize that — along with seeing what it takes to be a well-rounded team like Meridian.”

Defense dominated the first part of the game.

The Trojans didn’t score until the 5:20 mark of the first quarter, then piled up 13 points over the final 2:40.

Coupeville could counter with only three free throws from Sarah Wright.

King said the game “got away” from his club in the second period.

Wright and Lindsey Roberts each picked up her third foul early in the quarter and sat the remainder of the half. Key sub Hannah Davidson had two fouls and also remained sidelined.

Meridian took advantage and racked up 20 points, leading 33-8 at halftime.

Wright and Roberts remained on the bench when the second half began, and Meridian continued to roll, going up 48-13 after three periods.

“(In the) fourth quarter we were still battling and making some good offensive adjustments,” King said. “Sarah led us with two more baskets and Lindsey knocked down a three. Avalon (Renninger) rounded out the scoring by sinking a free throw.”

Just four Wolves scored in the game: Wright finished with 9 points, Roberts 8, Kyla Briscoe 3 and Renninger 1.

Meanwhile, 11 of the 12 Trojans scored, led by Kyrin Baklund with 16.

Coupeville (1-2, 4-11) returns to Olympic League action at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 16, when Klahowya (1-2, 3-10) comes to town.