For the second time this season the Mercer Island boys lacrosse team took down the reigning state champions, beating Bellevue 9-5 in the state semifinal Wednesday night.

The win earned the Islanders a spot in the state championship where they will take on Bainbridge.

It’s the 10th trip to the state final in 11 years for Mercer Island.

Against Bellevue in Islanders Stadium, the teams were neck and neck at the end of the first quarter, with just one goal apiece. The Islanders took a lead of three goals in the second to hold a 4-2 score going into the break. Bellevue tried to battle their way back in, scoring two goal of their own in the third, while holding the Islanders to two. It took another three in the final minutes of the game for Mercer Island to seal the win.

Connor Bernal had four goals for the team, while Doug Mahony added a goal and two assists. Grant Preisler had a goal, as did Matthew Shields, Colton Knebel and Alex Robbs. Brian Bernstein had eight saves during the game.

Bainbridge beat Issaquah 11-9 on Wednesday night to punch the Sparatans first ticket to the finals since 2008.

In their only meeting this season, at MIHS, the Islanders beat Bainbridge 18-3.

Saturday’s state championship game will take place at 7:30 p.m. in Memorial Stadium.