The Mercer Island boys lacrosse team punched a ticket to the state quarterfinals on Tuesday, May 21 with a 9-4 win over Lakeside.

The Islanders got off to a quick start, scoring the first goal just minutes into the match. Lakeside followed by tying the game at 1-1, but after that it was Mercer Island’s game. The Islanders led 3-1 at the end of the first, and 6-1 at halftime.

Lakeside scored two goals in the third and one in the fourth, while Mercer Island made three goals in the second half to end the game.

Steen Swedstedt led the Islanders with four goals and one ground ball, while Grant Preisler added one goal, with one assist and three ground balls. Peter Mahony scored a goal with an assist and a ground ball, while Evan Condon had one goal and one ground ball. Cooper Johnson had an assist with two round balls and Hayden Reisman had one goal with one ground ball. Goalie Benji Rothenberg made 11 saves in the game.

Mercer Island advances to the state quarterfinals against Issaquah on Thursday, May 23 in a 7 p.m. game at Issaquah High School. The Islanders are 18-3 this season, while Issaquah is 14-6. The two teams have played each other once this season, with Mercer Island winning the May 10 contest 11-4.

If Mercer Island wins on Thursday night, the Islanders will advance to the state semifinals against the winner of the Auburn-Riverside vs. Bainbridge game on Wednesday, May 29.