ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Sept. 4) – The Salem International University water polo team opened its 2016 season with a win and a pair of losses at the United States Naval Academy Open on Saturday and Sunday.
 
The Tigers defeated Cal Tech 20-9 in a meeting on Saturday, while Princeton (25-8) and Iona (22-11) dealt Salem International losses on Sunday. The water polo team also competed in an exhibition match against Cerritos on Saturday morning that did not count towards their overall record.
 
SALEM INTERNATIONAL 20, Cal Tech 9 (Saturday, September 3)
The Tigers started the season 1-0 behind five goal efforts by both junior Djordje Stavrevski (Pancevo, Serbia / Sportska Gimnazjia Beograd) and freshman Milos Popovic (Nis, Serbia/Gimnasium 9 May). Stavrevski got off to a quick start with three goals in the first period, while Popovic took command of the offense with three goals in the third period.
 
Princeton 25, SALEM INTERNATIONAL 8 (Sunday, September 4)
The Tigers fell to 1-1 on the season following a 25-8 loss to Princeton Sunday morning. Princeton took an 8-4 lead after the first period and scored 10-unanswered goals in the second period to pull away. Stavrevski led the squad with three goals in the loss, while sophomore Inigo Velasco (Madrid, Spain / Colegio San Agustín) chipped in two goals.
 
Iona 22, SALEM INTERNATIONAL 11 (Sunday, September 4)
The Tigers concluded play at the U.S. Naval Academy with a 22-11 loss to Iona on Sunday afternoon. The Gaels raced out to a 13-4 halftime lead and held off Salem in the second half. Stavrevski and Popovic led the team with four goals, apiece, with Popovic notching three of his four goals in the fourth period.
 
The water polo team returns to the pool on Saturday and Sunday, September 10 and 11 when the travel to Erie, Pennsylvania for matches with Mercyhurst, Gannon and Washington & Jefferson. The Tigers will also play an exhibition match with Lindenwood.