The Mercer Island girls golf team completed their perfect season last Wednesday, capturing the 3A state title in Spokane. The Islanders took the program’s first ever state title with a team score of 90.5. The second place finisher, Mt. Spokane High School had a 77.

“We won every meet, tournament and it was 100 percent a complete, perfect season,” said head coach Don Papasedero. He said the girls had a steady improvement from day one to two, putting them into solid position as the final golfers entered the clubhouse at the end of the second round.

“The girls were particularly steadfast in working to save strokes,” said the coach. “The team brought the trophy back. If there was any question about this being a team sport, this should prove it.”

Individually, Chelsea Saelee earned fifth place, putting up 73 on day one and 78 on day two for a total of 151. Haley Chinn finished eighth overall with a first day of 84, day two of 79 for a total of 163. Kayce Ogishima was 26th with a two day total of 181. Jolie Shen finished in 34th place. She finish day one with a 90, and day two with a 97 for a two day total of 187. The girls competition was won by Rachel Lewis of Peninsula High School with a two day total of 145.

Papasedero said they didn’t know they’d won until the last moment when the final girls finished.

“Certainly we’re all elated and celebrated together,” he said. “We broke massive records all year long.

The team will lose five seniors this spring, who have never lost a match during their high school careers.

“This program has just had steady growth,” said Papasedero, citing the strong foundation previous classes laid to make this year’s title a possibility. “I invite all alumni and their parents to contact me because I have only praise for them.”

With the high school season over, Papasedero said many of the girls will continue practicing this summer. The team will hold a celebration in honor of the season last this spring.

See a complete list of results on the WIAA Web site.