Mercer Island volleyball team qualifies for sixth-straight 3A state tournament berth

The Mercer Island volleyball team recorded its third-straight postseason win in straight sets Thursday night, defeating Garfield 25-22, 26-24, 25-19 in the Sea-King 3A district quarterfinals at Juanita High School.

The win qualified the Islanders (18-1) for their sixth straight state tournament appearance and secured a top-four finish at districts.

Mercer Island will take on Roosevelt (15-4) in the district semifinal round at 11 a.m. Saturday at Lakeside High School in Seattle.

MI all-league honorees

Six Mercer Island players earned 2016 All-KingCo recognition.

Starting setter and senior captain Natalie Robinson was named KingCo 3A MVP, while outside hitter Kelly Behrbaum and libero Tess Hendelman were named to the All-KingCo first team. Outside hitter Adara Hamilton was named to the all-league second team. Middle blockers Tessa Fisk and Lindsey Lovsted earned honorable mentions.

Mercer Island coach Susan Rindlaub was named the KingCo 3A Coach of the Year.