In his fourth season as Coupeville High School head softball coach, Jim Wheat said he has a smaller squad this year than he has had in any past season.

“Right now, I only have about 18 players out for the team,” he said.

Last year was a difficult season for the Wolves who finished 2-16 in Cascade League games and 3-19 overall.

Coupeville defeated Meridian in the opening round of the Class 1A playoffs, but then lost back-to-back games to Nooksack valley and Friday Harbor by 10-0 scores to be eliminated from competition.

Despite the low numbers, the Wolves have several quality players, including junior pitcher Nikki Griffin and her junior battery mate Mandy Murdy. Both players are in their third season of varsity competition.

Seniors on the team include Kayala Lawson, who will be playing second base, Page Mueller at first base and Nichole Wright in the outfielder.

The other junior on the team is Kassie Lawson, who will handle the duties at the hot corner, third base.

Sophomores who were on the varsity last year are shortstop Megan Smith and Ashley Manker, who will play centerfield this season.

Talented new players on the roster are sophomores Emma Puharic, Julie Huddleston and Kimber Abraham.

“All three of them are outfielders, and Abraham played well on the junior varsity last year,” Wheat said.

Versatile Infielder/outfielders Rebecca Armstrong and Chelsea Harpe, along with pitcher/infielder Siara Arroyo, are three freshmen who will see some varsity playing time this season.

Wheat said the Cascade League has two extremely strong teams in Cedarcrest and Archbishop Murphy that Coupeville will have to deal with.

“The team’s goal is to come away with more wins than had last year going into the Class 1A tournament,” Wheat said. “If we keep trying and keep putting it together, we should have a good season.”

Coupeville opens the season Wednesday, March 12, hosting Concrete in a 4 p.m. non-league game.