ERIE, Pa. (Oct. 14, 2017) -- The Salem University Tigers Water Polo team got strong performances from two freshmen to defeat Mercyhurst University and split its two matches on the first day of the Collegiate Water Polo Association NCAA Division II Championships in front of a raucous crowd.

In the first match against Gannon, the Tigers got five goals from Milos Popovic but gave up six goals in the second quarter to fall behind 8-4 at halftime.

Salem scored two quick goals in the third quarter, but then surrendered two different 3-0 Gannon runs to put the match out of reach, losing 15-11.

In the second match, Freshman Marino Chorro scored three goals and freshman goalie David Romero made several big saves in the last few minutes to hold off a Mercyhurst rally for the 12-10 win.



After losing its first match to Gannon, Salem came out firing, scoring five goals in the first quarter against Mercyhurst, scoring on its first possession on a shot by Petar Leontijevic. After two Mercyhurst scores, Inigo Velasco answered with two goals within the span of a minute.

In the final minute of the first quarter, Djordje Stavrevski and Chorro scored to give the Tigers an early 5-2 lead.

After taking a 12-7 lead into the fourth quarter, the Tigers were held scoreless, but got two big saves from Romero while at a powerplay disadvantage, and had 11 saves versus 22 shots for the match.
Salem finished with 12 goals on 27 shots for a .444 shooting percentage, including 2-for-6 in powerplays for a .333 percentage. It was a balanced match, with the Tigers Chorro's three goals and two goals each from Michael Rojas, Stavrevski and Leontijevic.

"That's how we need to play, with confidence and purpose," Salem Head Coach Robert Bullion said. "It's unfortunate we had to lose a game before we played that way."

Afterwards, the Tigers celebrated with Salem's men's soccer team, who stopped by to support the team on their way to play Notre Dame College on Sunday. Salem will play McKendree University on Sunday at 10 a.m. For live streaming and stats, click here.