ERIE, Pa. –The Salem University women's water polo team fell to Iona 12-10 and earned its first victory of the season 12-10 over Mercyhurst, Saturday. 
 
In game one, Salem fell to Iona as Iona posted a seven-goal first quarter as the Tigers comeback fell short. 
 
Iona totaled 32 shots, while the Tiger recorded 26 with a .385 shooting percentage. 
 
Freshman Margherita Garibbo and classmate Erin Zappia each posted two goals and two assists with one steal, while junior Maryanna Antoniou also added two goals.
 
Freshman Annefleur ten Bloemendal added one goal and one assist, while freshman Tanya Lopez, freshman Chloe Woodbine and freshman Beatrice Popescu each tossed in one goal. 
 
Iona scored 11 of its 12 goals in the first two periods, while Salem outscored Iona 5-1 in the final two periods. 
 
Freshman goalie Philippa Piper notched 14 saves with 12 goals against with one steal. 
 
In game two, the Tigers recorded their first win as they did not trail the entire game against Mercyhurst. 
 
Salem netted 12 goals off 21 shots for a .571 shooting percentage, while Mercyhurst notched 26 shots. 
 
Offensively, ten Bloemendal led the way for Salem as she recorded a team-high four goals, while Garibbo and Popescu each tossed in three goals. 
 
Antoniou and Woodbine each added one goal in the game. 
 
Piper blocked 12 shots and allowed 10 goals for a .545 save percentage. 
 
The Tigers jumped out to a 5-4 lead at the end of the first period and produced an impressive defensive stand in the second period as they allowed one goal leading Mercyhurst 8-5 at the end of two. 
 
Mercyhurst outscored Salem 5-4 in the third and fourth periods but was not enough to defeat the Tigers. 
 
Salem returns to the pool tomorrow with a two-game slate against La Salle at 2:25 p.m. and Saint Francis (Pa.) at 6:00 p.m.