The Mercer Island varsity Boys Lacrosse team lines up before a game. Photo courtesy Yearbook.

Wednesday, May 22, Mercer Island Boys Lacrosse faced off in the state semifinals against Juanita, defeating them 13-5.

When they previously met last April, the Islanders had defeated the Rebels 11-6.

Mercer Island dominated the first quarter, with senior Donnie Howard connecting twice with senior Ty Robinson. By the end of the quarter, the Islanders were ahead 4-0.

The Islanders continued to push the offense, leading 6-1 at the half.

Juanita began to push back in the second half, scoring early in the third quarter. The Islanders quickly answered, bringing the score to 7-2.

Juanita continued their pressure however, scoring two unanswered goals against the Islanders. Key and timely saves by senior goalie Tynan Drayton kept the Islanders on top 8-4 entering the fourth quarter.

Mercer Island’s offense reignited again in the fourth quarter, scoring four times to seal the 13-5 victory.

“Our shot selection was better. That was something we were focusing on,” Islanders head coach Ian O’Hearn said. “It’s the little fundamental things that we need to improve on that are going to helps us win the state championship.”

O’Hearn credits part of the Islanders’ success to the team’s seniors.

“We have a huge senior class this year and they’re all huge contributors one way or another,” O’Hearn said. “Hopefully this is their year, they just have one more game to go.”

Boys lacrosse is seeking to join Mercer Island Girls Lacrosse as 2019 State Champions when they face Bellevue in a championship rematch this Saturday.

The state championship begins 10:30 a.m., May 25 at the Starfire Sports in Tukwila.