By CAROL GULLSTAD

Special to the Reporter

A monumental triumph on the road was attained by the Mercer Island Islanders boys water polo team.

The Islanders earned a 7-4 victory against the Bellevue Wolverines on Oct. 27 in Bellevue in the 2018 regular season league finale for both teams. The Islanders clinched the No. 4 seed to the state tournament with the win.

The Wolverines had a 3-0 lead at halftime but saw the lead evaporate in the third quarter of play. Nate Robinson, Max Vacca and Oliver Schaaf each scored a goal apiece in the third quarter, tying the game at 3-3.

With 5:04 left in the fourth quarter, Robinson scored, giving the Islanders their first lead of the game at 4-3. Bellevue tied the game at 4-4 with 4:01 left in regulation. In the final four minutes of play, the Islanders outscored the Wolverines 3-0 to secure the victory. Cole Brittain, Robinson and Vacca scored a goal apiece down the stretch to seal the victory. Mercer Island goalie Jacob Swerland had 13 saves between the posts. Vacca had a team-high five steals as well.

The state tournament will begin on Nov. 8 at the Curtis High School Aquatic Center in University Place.