After starting off this season with a small group of returners, the Mercer Island girls water polo team persevered to finished third in the state.

The team started the season with just seven returning players and five new ones to the squad, two of which had experience playing perviously.

The Islanders overcame their challenges early on, ending the season with a 6-5 record and beating Shorewood in the state tournament to finish third. Goals in the final game of state were made by Christine Meegan, Christina Williamson, Mikayla Fletcher, Jenna Sharman, Michelle Na and Kristin Hoffman.

The team was led by coach Ryan Hall, captains Fletcher and Osman, the team’s only seniors, and Williamson, a junior.

Next season the team will be led by captains Sharman, Hoffman and returning captain Williamson. The team will also include Kirbi Phillips, Alicia Nordal, Mallory Phillips, as well as Meegan, Elise Skyggebjerg, Emily Wong and Na.