Bellevue Downs #1 Mercer Island, 8-5

In an early season showdown between top-ranked Mercer Island and #2 ranked Bellevue, the Wolverines rode a dominating second-half defensive effort to capture a 8-5 victory on Monday evening at the King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way.

Mercer Island, ranked #1 in the initial state poll released last Thursday, opened the game with a 2-1 first quarter lead.  In the second quarter, junior George French scored two of his game-leading five goals to help even the score at 4-4.  In the third quarter, senior goalie Reed Hendrickson made several outstanding saves to shut out the Islanders, helping the Wolverines build a 6-4 lead.  In the fourth quarter, the Wolverines employed a drop defense to limit the Islanders to a single goal.

Sophomore Liam Naughton chipped in two goals and sophomore two-meter Marco Stanchi added one goal.  Stanchi and junior utility Stu McClelland added three ejections drawn.  Hendrickson contributed 12 blocks and one assist. With the win, the Wolverines extend their in-state unbeaten streak to fifteen games, stretching back to last season.

Bellevue (9-2) returns to action on Wednesday evening against Inglemoor.