Mercer Island boys water polo suffered its first league loss of the season, falling 16-10 at the hands of Roosevelt in the Roughriders’ home pool.

Roosevelt set the tone early, winning the opening sprint and building to a  5-1 lead at the end of the first quarter. The Islanders countered and came roaring back in the second, playing strong on both sides of the ball. The maroon squad registered four goals, two steals and two field blocks to head into halftime down by only one, 6-5.

However, the momentum was not sustained as the Roughriders pulled away again with five goals to the Islanders’ one in the third quarter creating, a five-goal deficit to trail 11-6.

Shooting was cold throughout the evening, as the Islanders mustered only a 22 percent conversion on attempts. In addition, the Islanders were unable to capitalize on man-up situations throughout the game, converting a scant two goals out of nine opportunities.

In mid-September, the Islanders beat Roosevelt in double overtime. The loss left the Islanders 5-1 in league competition and 11-2 overall heading into the final two weeks of the regular season. Mercer Island is currently tied with Bellevue for first place in the North League. Despite the win, Roosevelt stays in second place with two league losses.

Earlier in the week, the Islanders defeated the Newport Knights for the second time this season 15-10.