South Whidbey defeated Coupeville 3-2 in an exciting Cascade Conference volleyball match on the Falcons’ court Thursday, Oct. 14.

Although they lost, the Wolves played well, according to coach Toni Crebbin, and got a boost from a boisterous cheering section in the island rivalry.

South Whidbey (5-6) won 25-15, 22-25, 27-29, 25-18, 15-11.

Crebbin said they let one server dominate in game one, but after that the Wolves “came out swinging.” Coupeville took the next two sets, coming from six down to win the thrilling third game.

She added that the Wolves’ defense also picked up after the first game and “started to get our hands on a lot more.”

Coupeville spent much of Wednesday’s practice discussing the season and how to maximize its effort on the court. Crebbin said, “I felt they took that talk to heart.”

Laura Chan handed out 23 assists with Jessica Riddle getting 12 kills, Katie Smith five and Kyra Ilyankoff five.

Granite Falls (5-6) comes to Coupeville (2-9, 3-9) Tuesday, Oct. 19, for a 7 p.m. match.