SALEM, W. Va. (Sept. 29, 2017) – Through three quarters against Mt. San Antonio College, Salem International University (SIU) Tigers water polo freshman goalie David Romero coordinated the defense from his spot at the net, sliding into position to cover the opponents' best shooting angles.

Booming shots met Romero's outstretched hands, redirecting them over the net or harmlessly to the corners, where teammates could clear the ball.

The Tigers won the match 17-10, with the bulk of Mt. San Antonio College's damage coming in the fourth quarter with reserves playing.

Romero was solid, capping off a week in which he was awarded the Mid-Atlantic Water Polo Conference (MAWPC) Rookie of the Week for his performances against Washington and Jefferson College, Gannon University, La Salle University and Connecticut College from Sept. 22-24.
 
"I've just been putting in all the work I can," Romero said. "I have all these guys supporting me and pushing me. I have some of the greatest teammates."

The Tigers split that weekend 2-2, defeating Washington and Jefferson College and Connecticut College, but falling to Gannon University and La Salle University. Still, they got some stellar individual performances from Romero and sophomore Milos Popovic, who was awarded with the MAWPC Player of the Week.

Popovic scored 19 goals, five steals, five earned ejections and three assists in four matches, highlighted by his seven-goal performance against Connecticut College in a win.

In four matches, Romero totaled 52 saves on 104 shots and recorded eight steals, recording 20 saves against 39 shots from Connecticut College and saving 11 of 13 shots against Washington and Jefferson College. Romero previously won a MAWPC Defensive Player of the Week award on Sept. 11.

The Tigers' next competition will be in the CWPA Division II Championships on Oct. 14 in Erie, Pa.