Mercer Island loses close contest to Ballard

Islanders lose in home contest against Beavers.

October 24, 2018 2:16 pm
Islanders player Leif Gullstad (No. 12) makes his fourth steal of the game in a matchup against the Ballard Beavers on Oct. 15. Photo courtesy of Dawn Friedland
Islanders player Leif Gullstad (No. 12) makes his fourth steal of the game in a matchup against the Ballard Beavers on Oct. 15. Photo courtesy of Dawn Friedland

By DAWN FRIEDLAND

Special to the Reporter

The Ballard Beavers registered a 9-6 victory against the Mercer Island Islanders boys water polo team on Oct. 15.

The Beavers struck early, finding the net at 3:13 mark of the first quarter, but the Islanders came back quickly a minute later with Islander Max Vacca connecting with Evan Hill to score the first goal for Mercer Island, tying the game at 1-1. The Beavers soon pulled ahead by a goal, ending the first quarter with a 2-1 lead.

The Islanders outscored Ballard 4-2 in the second quarter, building a 5-3 lead at halftime. Islanders goalie Jacob Swerland, who had a team-high 12 saves in the game, had five saves in the second quarter of play. Ballard responded in the third quarter, outscoring Mercer Island 3-0 until Vacca scored a goal toward the end of the third quarter, tying the game at 6-6. Ballard took the lead with 5:29 left in regulation and added two more goals to seal the victory.

Mercer Island player Nate Robinson scored a team-high three goals in the loss. Leif Gullstad had a team-high four steals as well.