By Matt Phelps

Mercer Island Reporter

The Mercer Island girls swim team defeated fellow 3A power Bainbridge Island Tuesday 177-120 in a rare meet at the Mercer Island Beach Club to open the 2008 swim season.

The Islanders were led by senior co-captain Rachel Godfred who won the 500-yard freestyle with a state qualifying time of 5:12.38. Godfred joined teammates Lauren Poli, Charlotte Graham and Jennifer Pak to win the 200-yard medley relay (1:53.41) and Pak, Mary Zajac, Charlotte Graham to win the 400-yard freestyle relay (3:48.99). Both were state qualifying times. Poli also won the 50-yard freestyle (25.68 – state time), while Graham took the 100-yard freestyle (56.97 – state time).

The Islanders showed their versatility with Lauren Deiparine’s win in the 100-yard breast stroke (1:14.16) and Oliva Graham’s victory in the 100-yard backstroke (1:05.56).

The victory gives the Islanders momentum heading into their meet in Chandler, Ariz. to take on the best teams in that state.