LEWISBURG, Pa. – The Salem University women's water polo team opened the season with two losses against two ranked Division I programs No. 24 Bucknell 14-4 and No. 17 Harvard, Saturday.
 
In the first match against Bucknell, junior Maryanna Antoniou led the offensive attack for the Tigers as she netted two goals on four shots, to go along with one steal, while freshman Margherita Garibbo scored one goal with two steals and classmate Annefleur ten Bloemendal added one goal.
 
Freshman Philippa Piper finished the day in goal with 14 goals against with five saves and one steal.
 
The Tigers kept the match close in the first two periods as they trailed just 8-3, but a no-goal drought in the third period gave Bucknell a 13-3 lead into the final period.
 
In the fourth, each team added one goal, as Bucknell defeated Salem 14-4.
 
In the second game against Harvard, freshman Beatrice Popescu notched two goals in two shots, while ten Bloemendal netted one goal and two assists, while sophomore Chloe Woodbine and Garibbo each scored one goal as Garibbo added one assist.  
 
Piper saved 12 goals while allowing 11, she also added two steals.
 
The Tigers outscored Harvard 3-1 in the fourth period.
 
Salem is back in play tomorrow for the second day of the Bucknell Invite with a match against Division I La Salle at 12:00 p.m.