By CAROL GULLSTAD

Special to the Reporter

The Curtis Vikings defeated the Mercer Island Islanders boys water polo team 9-7 in the Region II finals on Nov. 4.

Despite the defeat, the Islanders will compete in the first round of the state tournament against the Gig Harbor Tides at 3:30 p.m. on Nov. 9 at the Curtis Aquatic Center in University Place.

“It’s a bittersweet time of year, we are excited for state and are playing our best and challenging for the championship yet it’s the last few days of being around this group of guys,” Islanders’ head coach Calvin White said.

Mercer Island captured victories against Rogers and Bellevue during the regional tournament. The Islanders cruised to a 16-2 win against Rogers and registered a 13-4 win against Bellevue. White said his team is looking forward to the state tournament this weekend.

“We need to be playing our best down the stretch run, gearing up for tough games at state. We are looking for a rematch (against Curtis) but we will need to play two difficult teams to get there.”

The Islanders are the No. 2 seed out of Region II to the state tournament. For up to date information about the tourney taking place this weekend, visit http://mercerislandwaterpolo.com/