The Mercer Island boys lacrosse team traveled to California to play a four team tournament against the West Coast’s best in high school lacrosse, including the California and Oregon state champions, and returned with a win and two losses.

Thursday the Islanders took on Torrey Pines of California and lost 9-7 despite four goals from senior Greg Mahony.

Mahony said that the caliber of competition was a big positive for the Islanders despite the loss.

“Our defense is really coming of age fast,” said Mahony. “It’s great to have them play teams that are used to scoring 16 goals a game.”

The defense fell behind early against the No. 1 ranked team on the West Coast, Saint Ignatius Prep of San Francisco, which won the California state title in 2006 and hosted the tournament. Mercer Island lost the second-round game 16-6.

“We didn’t play our best lacrosse and it is hard going all that way to play a few games,” said Mahony. “They got to sleep in in their own beds and we stayed in a hotel. But it is good experience.”

The Islanders earned a big win during their third and final game of the tournament 11-10 against La Costa Canyon of San Diego.

Along with Mahony, A.J. Ellis has quickly become a big offensive threat for the Islanders. He leads the team in points and has the respect of his teammates.

“He scored 11 goals in one game this year,” said Mahony. “We’re a lot more balanced than last year. We just have to stay within our systems.”

The Islanders return to Western Washington for the second half of the regular season at 5 p.m. today as they travel to Genesee Park in Seattle to take on Garfield and then host Vashon at 8 p.m. Friday at Islander Stadium.