Mercer Island volleyball was off to a strong start in the 3A district tournament Thursday night, sweeping Ballard in three sets 25-9, 25-12 and 25-15 at Juanita High School.

Drawing Ballard after a first-round bye, the Islanders were dominant throughout. Jemma Yeadon had 12 kills, five digs, two aces and a block for the Islanders, while Brooke Behrbaum had five kills, four blocks and seven aces, and Olivia Hughes had five kills, three blocks and three aces.

But next up for the Islanders is Holy Names Academy, last year’s state runner-up and the team responsible for Mercer Island’s lone blemish (not by forfeit) this season. The Cougars beat the Islanders 3-2 in September at Mercer Island High School.

The Islanders will take on Holy Names in the district semifinals at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8 at Lakeside High School in Seattle.