Lacrossers stumble 18-11 at Mercer Island

Four hat-tricks by the Islanders do in the Spartans, who fall to 8-3 with the loss.

Spartan boys lacrosse traveled to Mercer Island, knowing the Islanders had beaten both Garfield and Issaquah, and were gunning to take down the top Division I squad.

The Spartans took Mercer into the fourth quarter in the tough matchup, but could not hold on against a squad whose 162 goals outdistances the nearest team, Issaquah, by 20.

Bainbridge ran into the league’s most potent defense as well. The Islanders allow three-and-a-half goals per game; Bainbridge scored their average, 11. Not bad but not good enough .

“There was a sense the boys could do it,” said the lacrosse club’s Nancy Jacques, following the 18-11 Friday evening road loss. “We’re just a few ingredients away, and looking to take the step. We’re rooting for the boys to get there.”

With the game tied after three quarters, the Islanders took advantage of Bainbridge defensive mistakes while keeping the Spartans at bay.

Mercer Island, 10-0 and atop the Mountain conference of Division One, notched four hat tricks and five goals by Ben York who also led with seven ground balls. Their goalkeeper, Noah Symington, faced 22 Spartan shots, turning away half of them.

Bainbridge, with an 8-3 record and one spot behind Sound Conference leader Garfield whom they host May 18, is still looking for the right choice on defense. They are allowing just over eight goals a game.

Junior Elliot Thompson has stepped up in goal, playing five great games dating back to the April 12 Issaquah contest. Friday action may see junior Kyle Bateman between the pipes.

With 132 goals scored on the season to 89 against, Bainbridge next hosts Eastside May 6 with face off scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Memorial Stadium.

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