ERIE, Pennsylvania – For the first time since 2004, the Salem men's water polo team were crowned champions of the east coast NCAA Division II schools.  The Tigers claimed two wins on their first day of games against McKendree and Mercyhurst. Their first game against McKendree was a nail biter, and the boys went goal for goal with the Bearcats until the end when the Tigers finished the game 17-15. The second game for the Tigers was won with ease 23-6. Their last game on Sunday against Gannon proved a challenge for the Tigers, who were behind by one goal until the last quarter where they dominated and took the game 13-12.
 
Salem 17, McKendree 15

In the Tiger's first game against McKendree, they trailed the Bearcats by one goal, the score showing 2-3. At half time, they were still behind 7-8. Tt was in the back half of the game where the Tigers found their rhythm and were able to pull ahead of the Bearcats and finish the game with a two goal lead, 17-15. Marko Zivojinovic, Nikola Cvetkovic and Nikola Krstonoic all tallied 4 goals for the Tigers. Chad Rowley put up 3 goals and Ivan Zivojinovic added 2.

Salem 23, Mercyhurst 6

During the second game against Mercyhurst, the Tigers dominated from quarter one scoring 9 goals to Mercyhurst's 1. Salem never slowed down their offense and finished the game 23-6. Blake Wind and Nikola Krstonoic each scored 6 goals for the Tigers, and Ivan Zivojinovic added 4 to the board. Marko Zivojinovic and Reabetswe Theledi both tallied 2 goals. James Fenner, Nikola Cvetkovic and Misha Holtzkamp all scored one.

Salem 13, Gannon 12

During the last game, Salem found themselves staritng behind Gannon, trailing 4 goals to 5 after the first quarter. Gannon's lead continued into the third quarter, as the score showed 10-9. Salem refused to give up in the last quarter and pushed their offense scoring 6 goals to Gannon's 4, putting themselves in the lead 13-12. This was a grand achievement for our men's team as they haven't had the honor of winning this championship since 2004.
 
This weekend has proven that Salem is a force to be reckoned with in the pool, this can also be seen on the current statistics leader boards for the Tigers Conference. Nikola Krstonoic is currently on top of the leader boards for goals (93), assists (56) and total points (149). Marko Zivojinovic is close behind him in second place with 29 assists and 99 total points. Ivan Zivojinovic is currently 6^th overall in total goals (58) and points (75). Julen Alonso has also had an outstanding season coming in 3^rd in the conference with a total of 141 saves. All of the men have put in outstanding work this season and are in good standing for their conference games in 2 weekends time in Lebanon, IL.