The Mercer Island girls golf team tied for the highest number of athletes, four, to qualify for districts during the 3A KingCo medalist meet on May 7 at the Snohomish Golf Course.

“It was successful day,” said Mercer Island girls golf coach Don Papasedero. “Anytime you get more than one or two players to districts you have to be happy.”

The Islanders tied with Interlake for the highest number of participants to move on to districts, but the Saints won the medalist meet by 19 strokes, 429-448.

“The greens were very hard to play and it was a very competitive field,” said Papasedero.

Lindsay Buchanan was the top Islander, placing fifth overall with a score of 82, followed close behind by teammate Kirby Thornton in seventh place.

“I think I did a really good job,” said Thornton, who shot an 86. “I was really proud of Lindsay. She played great.”

Islander Kelly Ogishima placed 14th overall with a score of 91, narrowly beating out her teammate Lindsay Chinn, who shot a 93 for 15th overall. All four of the girls played Monday and Tuesday at Riverbend Golf Course in Kent (after Reporter deadline).

“The Riverbend course is longer but easier,” said Thornton. “I feel like we could get all four girls to state if we all play well.”

The Islanders also had multiple girls receiving All-KingCo honors. Thornton and Ogishima were named second team all-KingCo, while Buchanan and Chinn were named honorable mention.

Mercer Island finished the season with a school record 11 victories. One of the reasons was the move from Mount Si Golf Course to Jefferson Park for the team’s home course.

“It saved us a lot of travel time,” said Thornton. “At Jefferson, we actually had time to warm up before playing, which helped a lot.”