Mercer Island and Bellevue remain locked in a heated battle for KingCo after Bellevue bested the Islanders 15-13 last week. The Islanders beat the defending state champs earlier in the season 13-11. Over two contests, the Islanders and Wolverines have not only split games, but are tied for goals scored against each other at 26.

The Wolverines set the tone early, winning the opening sprint, jumping to a 3-0 lead in the first. Goals by Jack Larkin and Topher Lacrampe put the Islanders on the board to end the first quarter, trailing 3-2. Bellevue won the second quarter sprint, setting up a three-goal run to go ahead 6-2 before the Islanders were able to answer with two goals. In the closing minute of the second quarter, the Wolverines sent another in the net to lead 7-4 at the half.

The Wolverines extended their lead to 9-5 in the third before the Islanders shooting sprang to life. Mercer Island was able to bring the score to within two, ending the third quarter down 10-8. The Islanders matched Bellevue goal-for-goal in the fourth, but could not pull out the win, falling 15-13.

Coach Andrew Smith-Jones said, “Our goal of winning state is still in tact, we just didn’t come out ready to play. We need to keep practicing hard and focusing on the basics in regard to front-court offense, defense and counter-attack.”