By Matt Phelps
The Mercer Island girls lacrosse team continued annihilating in-league schools last week by outscoring its two opponents 31-2. The victories keep the Islanders’ regular-season record perfect as they steamroll towards a showdown with their nemesis, Bainbridge Island, on May 11.
“We all have really strong drive and no one quits,” said Islander Kelsey Mesher. “Everyone does what is best for the team and not what is just best for themselves.”
That selflessness was on display Thursday as the Islanders gave Bellevue a beating 17-1. The Wolverines had just as difficult a time figuring out who was going to take the shot for Mercer Island, as how to defend it. Ten different Islanders scored during the game.
“The other team can’t defend just one or two of our players,” said Islander Kate Elston. “It makes us impossible to defend.”
The Islander program has grown leaps and bounds, giving Mercer Island girls lacrosse head coach Sara Milo endless options during games.
“We have a pretty talented roster,” said Milo. “I can put anyone of those girls in at any time and I trust that they can do the job.”
Senior Dani Zorn continues to lead the squad offensively as she put four goals in the back of the Bellevue net. She played just one half of the game.
Elston is just as big of an offensive weapon as Zorn, scoring three goals in the same time frame.
“We are so strong right now because we trust each other,” said Elston. “We have no reason not to pass the ball at any time.”
The Islander offense was so prolific that starting goalkeeper Kelsey Mesher and back up keeper, freshman Tiffany Louie, both scored during the contest.
The Mercer Island defense was just as important, holding the shutout until six minutes remained in the game. The Islanders won 18-1 the first time they faced Bellevue.
Against Forest Ridge on April 19, Mercer Island was just as dominant on defense, holding its opponent to one goal as well.
The 14-1 victory was led by Zorn, who had four goals. Tanya Swarts scored three goals, as Mercer Island had nine players put points on the score board.
It was impressive when Milo took out all the seniors and the team played like there was no change at all.
“We love those girls so much,” said Larson, who is a senior. “It showed that we are going to leave an amazing program. Those girls have so much to look forward to.”
The Islander’s biggest focus right now is on Bainbridge Island, which defeated them in the state finals last season and beat the Islanders during an exhibition tournament in California on April 3. But the Mercer Island players know that they are getting closer to the Spartans each time the teams play each other. The Islanders lost 7-4 in California. Mercer Island lost to Bainbridge Island 13-4 in last year’s state finals.
“Every game to us is against Bainbridge,” said Elston. “If we want to be the best, we will have to beat them.”
The legacy of past Islander teams was evident when the University of Washington woman’s lacrosse team beat the University of Oregon 16-13 in overtime on April 17 at Boise State University. Three Mercer Island alumni play on the Husky team: Megan Elston, who is also the current assistant girls varsity lacrosse coach for the Islanders, Jackie Nakata and Kelly Nakata, who was on the team last season.
On Monday (after Reporter deadline), Mercer Island played a make up game against Holy Names from April 7. The Islanders will look to continue their winning ways at 8 p.m. tonight, as they host Seattle Prep.
