The Mercer Island boys golf team has dominated during the past three years, including one state, two league and two district titles. On Thursday, the Islanders went up against their 4A twin in Woodinville, the defending 4A KingCo champions. Despite a good effort from a young Islander team, the loss by just two strokes, 178-180, makes a third league title an uphill battle.

“It was honestly one of the best matches I have seen since I’ve been here,” said Islander Coach Tyson Peters.

The meet came down to the last Woodinville player of the day, as he hit a 15-foot birdie putt for the win.

“Both teams played well,” said Peters. “We have a really young team, and they gained a lot of experience. Every shot counts in a match like this. It bodes well for our future.”

Two Woodinville players tied for the top spot by shooting par with 34 strokes at Twin Rivers Golf Course. Mercer Island’s Charlie Kern, Kyle Code and Ryan Samp all tied for second place on their home course of Twin Rivers by completing the nine-hole meet in 35 strokes.

Mercer Island had lost just two league matches in the past two years, and Woodinville was undefeated during that same time.

Mercer Island earned an in-league victory against Juanita High School on Sept. 16 after outshooting the opponent by 34 strokes.

The Islanders dominated scoring as Code shot a two-under-32 to take first place. Colten Kleis placed second by shooting par (34), Kern finished with 35 strokes and Crawford Leeds shot 36. Islanders Kirby Ingram and Brandon Shin tied for fifth place with 37 strokes.

The Islanders are now 3-1 in league play and took on a familiar opponent in Bellevue, Tuesday (after Reporter deadline).