WASHINGTON, Pennsylvania - Just as the other Salem fall sports have opened up their seasons this week, the men's water polo team kicked off the fall campaign this week up in Washington, Pennsylvania against a collection of teams from all over the country. The Tigers dominated the competition, and they came away with 4 wins over 2 days. Each contest played out as follows:

Salem 25, California Institute of Technology 7

In Game 1, Salem jumped out to an early lead with 5 goals in the first quarter. They kept the pace with another 8 goals in the 2nd while allowing just 2 goals from the Beavers. In the second half, Salem's dominance continued as the scoreline grew to 21 in the third, before the Tiger's added 4 more goals in the 4th to cruise to the 25-7 win. Marko Zivojinovic tied for the team lead in scoring for the Tigers with 7 goals, and his brother Ivan Zivojinovic chipped in 6. Nikola Krstonosic also added 7 goals. James Fenner and Antonio Sablic brought in 3 goals and 2 goals respectively. In goal, Duarte Costa swatted away a staggering 18 shots from the Beavers.

Salem 27, Ohio State (Club) 13

For the second game on Day 1, Salem took on an exhibition contest against a club team from Ohio State University. The Tigers still took care of business with a high in goals for the weekend with 27. 

Salem 20, Washington and Jefferson 9

On day 2, Salem took on the host of the event, the Presidents of Washington and Jefferson. Possibly due to the home pool advantage, the Presidents stayed neck in neck with the Tigers in the first half as the score was set at 8-8. However, Salem kicked it into high gear in the 2nd half, and took away a 20-7 win. Nikola Krstonosic and Marko Zivojinovic led the way for Salem with 5 goals a piece.

Salem 21, Penn State Behrend 7

In the final contest, Salem put the final touches of the sweep with a dominant first quarter that set the tone early. They tossed in 11 goals in that period, including 5 a piece from both Marko Zivojinovic and Nikola Krstonosic. Both players would end up with 7 by the end of the game. With the massive 11-1 lead in the first, Salem maintained that dominance throughout the rest of the game, and took away a 4 game sweep capped off by the 21-7 win over Penn State Behrend. 

With this great start to the season, Salem will return to their home pool in Morgantown at Mylan Park on September 9th when they return the favor to host Washington and Jefferson for a rematch alongside a contest with Johns Hopkins.