One loss during a grueling week kept the Islander girls tennis team from the 3A KingCo title for the second consecutive year. But that one loss to Skyline is all that Mercer Island has had to endure this season as they prepare for the post season.

“It would be nice if we had another shot at Skyline,” said Mercer Island head coach Joyce Hedlund. “But the league tournament should be interesting with another good school in the mix.”

That Islanders will get another shot at the Spartans in a way as the league tournament will be played at Skyline on Saturday, Monday and Tuesday.

Placing high at the league tournament and districts can be the difference between a state title and a long two days in Eastern Washington come May 25-26 as seeding is everything.

“It is really gonna be hard but we will just take one tournament at a time,” said Hedlund.

The coach said that she will play Sheehan Triple as her No. 1 singles player.

Julia Schubach will be thrust into the spot light in just her first year with the team as she will play No. 2 singles for the Islanders.

“If she plays up to her ability she could turn the tournament upside down,” said Hedlund.

The freshman shocked one of the top singles players Thursday as she beat Claire Wolf of Sammamish High School 6-3, 3-6, 6-1. Mercer Island pounded the Totems during the meet 8-1.

“It was her best of the season,” said Hedlund. “She had a really good showing against a tough girl.”

Hedlund will pair sophomore Michelle Zemplenyi with Amelia Carpenter at No. 1 doubles. The tandem has burned through the KingCo field this season and could be seeded No.1 going into the tournament.

Lauren Smith and Olivia Kristof will round out the Mercer Island post season team as the school’s No. 2 doubles.

Boys team

The Mercer Island boys tennis team will try to pick up where is left off last November at the district meet on May 14.

Hedlund said that the players have already begun to get back into form for their state run. Trevor Fulp and Chris Winterbauer is the team’s No. 1 doubles team and the best chance for a state title.