The only competition that Mercer Island could find on Thursday came from its own bench. The Islanders began defense of the last three state titles with an overpowering 148-36 victory against Snohomish to open the season.

The biggest victory for the Islanders came during the first event of the meet.

Alex Hoff, Murray Longbotham, Ian Fisk and Andy Wingerson teamed up to not only win the 200-yard medley relay, but the time of 1:38.42 was good enough to earn All-American Consideration. Mercer Island also took second and third place during the event.

The meet victory was so decisive that Mercer Island took the top three places in every event except two.

One of those events was diving, in which Mercer Island had just two competitors against four.

Islander Beau Riebe won the competition by 50 points (246).

The only swimming event that Mercer Island didn’t sweep the top three places was the 100-yard backstroke, won by Islander freshman Ian Piper with a district time of 1:04.91.

Mercer Island wasted no time getting ready for the state meet and swam to 14 state qualifying times.