The Wolverines dropped their season-opener 5-3 March 13 at Orcas.

Defensively, Friday Harbor gave up 10 free passes to first base in the first two innings — nine base-on-balls and one hit batter. Offensively, they failed to capitalize with runners in scoring position on several occasions in the later innings.

“We left a lot of runners on base,” Head Coach Kevin Carlton said.

Friday Harbor and Orcas took the field for a non-league contest after Mossyrock, fearing a possible rainout, canceled its 300-mile round trip to the islands.

The Wolverines and Orcas will meet three times this season in Northwest 1A/2B League play, beginning with a April 17 double-header in Friday Harbor.

Carlton said the Wolverines made enough plays to remain in striking distance over seven innings. He credits freshman Jean Melborne — who took over on the mound with the bases loaded and one out in the second inning — with tying up the Vikings’ bats and keeping Friday Harbor in the game.

“She got us out of that jam in the second inning without giving up a run,” he said. “She came in and threw strikes.”