Mike Diaz scored the winning goal with 57 seconds left in the second overtime and Nephtali Rivera made two key defensive plays in the final seconds to preserve the lead as Salem University outlasted Division I La Salle University 13-12 in men's water polo in the Laker Invitational Saturday at Erie, Pa. Robert Juhas, who scored the tying goal less than 40 seconds earlier, assisted on the game winner.
 
The split gave Salem a split on the day after falling to Gannon University 16-10 in the opening contest. Juhas led the Tigers with four goals.
 
Against La Salle, the Tigers went on top 10-9 on Michael Rojas' goal with 1:20 left in regulation, just 14 seconds after the Explorers had tied the contest. La Salle scored a power play goal with 32 seconds remaining to tie the game again. Juhas made a steal in the final eight seconds, but his potential game-winning shot was blocked to force overtime.
 
Salem (4-4) took the first lead of the overtime as Rojas found Juhas with 2:02 remaining. The lead held until La Salle tied the game 11-11 on a goal by Tyler Williams with 21 seconds left. Both Tiger goalkeeper Julen Alonso and Explorer goalkeeper Cameron Schiable recorded a save in the final seconds to send the contest to a second overtime.
 
La Salle struck first just 19 seconds into the second overtime on another goal by Williams. Juhas drew an exclusion against La Salle and scored a power play goal on another assist from Rojas to tie the game again 12-12 with 1:34 remaining.
 
After a La Salle foul gave Salem possession, Juhas found Diaz to put Salem back on top with less than a minute remaining. Rivera made a steal to prevent an Explorer scoring opportunity, then blocked the potential tying shot with less than 12 seconds left to preserve the tie.
 
Rojas finished with four goals, while Saequon Miller added three goals and two assists. Rohas and Juhas tallied three assists apiece, while Alonso recorded 15 saves.
 
Salem played Gannon to a 7-7 tie in the first half, but the Tigers were limited to three goals in the second half.
 
Salem concludes play in the Laker Invitational Sunday against University of Toronto. Game time is 12:15 p.m. The tournament is hosted by Mercyhurst University.