Guerra believes team camaraderie will propel Islanders to the promised land

Tessa Guerra has scored 31 goals in 11 games.

By Shaun Scott • May 4, 2018 9:50 am
Mercer Island Islanders senior girls lacrosse player Tessa Guerra has scored 31 goals thus far this season. The Islanders have compiled an overall record of 10-1 thus far during the 2018 season. Shaun Scott/staff photo
Mercer Island Islanders senior girls lacrosse player Tessa Guerra has scored 31 goals thus far this season. The Islanders have compiled an overall record of 10-1 thus far during the 2018 season. Shaun Scott/staff photo

Scoring goals comes naturally to Mercer Island Islanders senior girls lacrosse player Tessa Guerra.

Guerra, who has tallied 31 goals in 11 games from the attack position in 2018, is the second-leading goal scorer on the Islanders girls lacrosse team. Mercer Island is one of the top teams in Washington, possessing a 10-1 overall record while outscoring their opponents 152-56. Guerra said playing the attack position requires an astute amount of intelligence in order to attain success.

“You have to see the field, you have to be able to keep level-headed at all times and know what is going on,” she said. “You have to have a really good lacrosse IQ to play that position. I really enjoy that part of it.”

The Islanders’ only loss of the 2018 season occurred against Bainbridge Island (14-7 loss) on April 18. The setback against Bainbridge Island is something the Islanders collectively haven’t forgotten about.

“It definitely showed us what we have to work on. It was nothing but beneficial. We will see them again (at the state tournament) and I think next time it will definitely be different,” Guerra said. “We have eight seniors and all have played together for a really long time. We have great chemistry and teamwork. We are all focused on the goals that are really important to us and that is winning state. That is our dream.”

Next year, Guerra will continue her lacrosse career at Division III Claremont McKenna College in Claremont, California. Recently, the Reporter had an opportunity talk to Guerra about her life away from the lacrosse field.

Mercer Island Reporter: What is your dream vacation spot?

Tessa Guerra: The Seychelles (Islands off the coast of East Africa in the Indian Ocean). It is very pretty.

MIR: What is your favorite restaurant in Mercer Island?

TG: Mioposto (Pizzeria). I love their pizza. My dad is Italian so we are big on Italian food.

MIR: What is your biggest pet peeve?

TG: People walking slowly in front of me. I got places to be.

IR: Who was your favorite sports team growing up?

TG: The San Jose Sharks (NHL hockey team)

IR: Who was your idol growing up?

TG: My mom (Robin). She is a big influence on me. We’ve always been really close. We have a really special relationship.