Salem University battled back from a seven-goal deficit in the fourth period, but the rally came up short as the Tigers fell to Gannon University 17-14 in Mid-Atlantic Conference Water Polo Sunday at Washington, Pa. Sunday's contest was a match-up of conference unbeatens.
 
Salem (7-8, 2-1 MAWPC) trailed 15-8 late in the third period, but Tiger goalkeeper Julen Alonso prevented Gannon from extending its lead with a save on a penalty shot. Milos Popovic followed with a goal and Saequan Miller added a goal with two seconds left to ignite Salem's rally.
 
Gannon (8-1, 3-0) scored the first goal of the final period before Salem cut the margin in half with a 3-0 run. Miller's goal with 5:15 left triggered the run and Adam Hudson followed with a power play goal 56 seconds later. Uros Jevtic forced a turnover on the Knights' next possession and completed the run with a goal of his own to pull the Tigers within 16-13 with 4:05 left to play.
 
But that was as close as Salem would get as Gannon scored just 13 seconds later. Knight goalkeeper Jacob Hollo recorded saves on the Tigers; next two shots and two other attempts hit the post. Popovic capitalized on a power play to score Salem's final goal with 1:09 remaining.
 
Popovic, Miller and Robert Juhas led a balanced attack with three goals apiece. Michael Rojas had a game-high four assists, while Juhas added three assists. Alonso finished with nine saves.
 
After having competed in each of the previous four weekends to start the season, Salem will get an extended break to begin the month of October. The Tigers are off until the weekend of October 19-20 to compete in an MAWPC Round Robin hosted by Connecticut College. This weekend's MAWPC Round Robin was hosted by Washington and Jefferson College.