The Mercer Island cross country teams made a statement this week as both the boys and girls exceeded expectations.

Girls

The Mercer Island girls won their league meet on Wednesday at Lower Woodland Park by 39 points over Ballard, beating four other schools. Islander Lindsay Benster took first place overall with a time of 19:03, with teammate Phoebe Merritt second (19:34). Two other Islanders broke the top 10.

The girls went on to win the Hoquiam Invitational following Benster’s individual victory. Her time of 18:57 was the second fastest time in the history of the course.

Boys

The Mercer Island boys also came out on top during the league meet by 21 points over Ballard. Islander Quinn Chasan completed the course in a time of 16:33. Evan Sadler and Aaron Elefson also broke the top 10.

The boys team placed second at the Hoquiam invite, just one point behind winner Bellevue.

Tyler Benster finished second overall with a time of 16:27, with Sadler and Chasan in the top 10.