TEMPE, Arizona - Just before the winter snow's restricted travel across West Virginia, the Salem Women's Water Polo team was able to hop on a flight out to Tempe, Arizona, where they were set to open their 2024 campaign. 4 contests were laid out for the Tigers to open the season, and Salem came away with one victory against some of the toughest competition in the country.Each game played out as follows:
Wagner 22, Salem 7
In the season opener, Salem took on the Wagner Seahawks. The Tigers had their work cut out for them early as Wagner held Salem scoreless in the fire quarter. However, the Tigers battled back with goals from Jojo DeSalvo and Alexis Kilgroe in the second and third periods. The Tigers got their offense truly going in the 4th where Keri Brooks, Iris Oudshoorn, and Morgan Riordan each found the back of the net. However, despite the improvements, the Tigers fell 22-7. It was Brooks who led the Tigers on the stats sheet with 3 goals. Goalie Lorelai Weaver added 7 saves.
Loyola Marymount 18, Salem 7
For Game 2, the opponent was the Lions of Loyola Marymount. With the rust shaken off at this point, Salem got off to a better start, and kept it close with the Lions in the 1st. However, the Lions put some distance between themselves and Salem with a big 2nd and 3rd quarter. Salem pushed back in the 4th, but it was too little too late. Salem fell 18 to 7 in the end. On the stats sheet, Courtney Repinz, Emma Donnelly and Keri Brooks each put away 2 goals a piece. In goal, Lorelai Weaver earned 3 saves for the Tigers.
Salem 12, California Lutheran 10
For Game 3, Salem uncorked their best performance of the weekend. They took a stranglehold on the game in the first quarter with a 5-0 dominant performance. From there, California Lutheran rallied, but Salem was able to control the contest from wire to wire. The victory sealed the victory with a Iris Oudshoorn goal late in the 4th, and Salem had the hot start they wanted for Day 2 of the Arizona State Invite. From the scorer's table, Salem was led by Oudshoorn and Taeghen Hack who each chipped in 3 goals a piece. The combination of Lorelai Weaver and Alexis Kilgroe in goal contributed 6 saves to the Tiger victory.
Arizona State 20, Salem 5
In the final contest of the weekend, Salem had the tough task of taking on the host, Arizona State. Much like the weekend opener, Salem had a tough time getting the offense going in the first. Salem did get the ball rolling late in the first, and into the second period with some big goals from Taeghen Hack and Mackenzie Hamilton. However, Salem had a big hill to climb. They made a valiant effort, but were held to just one goal in the second half. Therefore, Salem was unable to spoil the Sun Devils' home finale, and fell 20-5.
With the season's first win under their belts, the Tigers should be energized as they continue their tough 2024 season slate. Next, they head to Ann Arbor, Michigan next on January 27th and 28th where they will take on Indiana, Marist, Long Island, and host Michigan in the Michigan Invite.
