ANN ARBOR, Michigan - Fresh off their season opening trip to Arizona, the Salem Tigers women's water polo team got right back on the road this week, although a little closer to home. Salem headed up to Ann Arbor, Michigan to compete in the Michigan Invitational hosted by the University of Michigan. Much like the opening weekend, Salem took on some of the toughest competition the nation has to offer. Unfortunately, Salem was sent home with a 0-4 record on the weekend. Each game played out as follows:
Indiana 21, Salem 5
In the first game of the weekend, Salem took on the Hoosiers of Indiana University. Salem got off to a good start by taking a 2-1 lead in the first behind goals from Iris Oudshoorn and Courtney Repinz. However, the Hoosiers quickly responded and took control of the game in the second. Salem could not muster enough of a second half rally to overcome the deficit, and the Tigers fell 21-5 to Indiana. Statistically, Salem was led by Taeghen Hack who dropped 2 goals on 4 shots. In the cage, Emily Low and Lorelai Weaver combined for 9 saves.
Marist 22, Salem 7
For Game 2, Salem faced off with Marist. The Tigers found themselves in a tough spot early on with Marist taking an early lead in the first. However, Salem launched their counterattack in the second to keep the pressure on. However, a slow offensive start to the second half did in the Tigers, and Salem fell 22-7. Statistically, Salem was led by Keri Brooks and Taeghen Hack, who each added a pair of goals for Salem. Emily Low blocked 4 shots in goal for Salem.
Long Island 18, Salem 2
On Day 2, Salem was looking for a fresh start when they took on Long Island University. Instead, Salem found their slowest offensive performance of the season. Long Island quickly put the contest out of reach, and Salem found their 2 goals late in the 3rd and 4th quarters from Keri Brooks and Courtney Repinz. In goal, Lorelai Weaver earned 4 saves.
Michigan 20, Salem 3
In the final contest of the weekend, Salem had the tough task of battling the host team, the University of Michigan Wolverines. The Wolverines flexed that home pool advantage early on to take control of the game early on. Salem made a valiant effort with a pair of goals in the 2nd, but the Wolverine advantage proved too much to overcome for the Tigers. Salem dropped the final contest of the weekend 20-3.
While this weekend did not end the way Salem wanted, they have some time to draw on the lessons learned to prepare for their next round of competition next weekend. They head up to Providence, Rhode Island to compete at the Brown Invitational. They will play host Brown, Austin College, and Siena in that event. They will also have a rematch against Long Island in the 3-day invitational.
