Beatrice Popescu triggered a three-goal rally in the final three minutes, but the comeback fell short as national poll vote-getter Salem University women's water polo fell to No. 23 Bucknell University 11-10 Sunday in the Tigers' final game of the Laker Invitational at Erie, Pa., hosted by Mercyhurst University. Earlier in the day, the Tigers fell to Siena College 15-10.
 
Salem (7-5) trailed Bucknell 11-7 when Popescu scored with 2:55 left to play. Elizabeth Elliott forced a Bucknell turnover and Courtney O'Shaughnessy scored with 1:58 remaining to pull the Tigers within 11-9.
 
After Philippa Piper made a save on a Bucknell shot attempt, Maryanna Antoniou drew an exclusion against the Bison. Antoniou followed with a power play goal to make it a one-goal game with 40 seconds left. But Bucknell was able to run out the clock and hold on for the win.
 
Antoniou led the Tigers with four goals, while Annefleur ten Bloemendal contributed four assists. Piper finished with nine saves.
 
Against Siena, Popescu scored all of her three goals in the first half as Salem trailed only 7-6 at halftime. But the Tigers were held scoreless in the third period and never got any closer than four goals in the fourth period.
 
Margherita Garibbo joined Popescu with three goals for Salem, while Chloe Woodbine had a team-high three assists. Piper recorded 11 saves in goal.
 
The weekend tournament was Salem's first action since receiving votes in this week's CWPA Top 25 Poll. The Tigers are tied for 28th in the poll.
 
Salem heads to Washington, Pa., next weekend for four games in the Washington and Jefferson Invite. The Tigers take on host Washington and Jefferson College and Virginia Military Institute Saturday and then face Gannon University and Penn State University-Behrend Sunday.