IRVINE, California – After a successful regular season, the Salem Tigers men's water polo team had sights set on California where they would go after the WWPA Championship. The Tigers went into the tournament as a 1 seed with a bye to the Semifinals. Salem needed to win two games to take the WWPA Championship and they did just that on Sunday afternoon.
Salem 18, UCM 15
The Tigers started things out on Friday taking on UC Merced in an exhibition match. In the first quarter, the Tigers got off to a quick start with a 8-4 lead after one. In the second quarter, UC Merced was able to cut the lead down to 3. Salem held a 11-8 lead at the half. In the second half, Salem's offense got rolling and they didn't look back to secure the 18-15 win over UC Merced.
Danko Kesic led the way with 5 goals of his own.
Salem 19, Biola 18
On Saturday, the Salem Tigers went up against Biola in the Semifinals of the WWPA Championship. In the first, both teams went back and forth with Biola holding the narrow 5-4 lead after one. In the second quarter, both offenses struggled but Salem was able to knot it back up before the half. The score was tied up at 8 at the half. In the third, the offenses were rolling on both sides with Salem outscoring Biola 9-7 in the period. Heading into the final period Salem held a 17-15 lead. Biola put up a fight in the fourth, but it wasn't enough as Salem was able to secure the 19-18 victory.
Nikola Krstonosic led the way with 7 goals and
Marko Zivojinovic had 6 goals.
Salem 16, Concordia 12
On Sunday, the Salem Tigers went head-to-head against Concordia for the WWPA Championship Game. In the first quarter, Salem got off to an early lead with a 5-2 start. In the second period, Salem was able to extend the lead even more so by outscoring Concordia 5-4 in the period. Salem held a 10-6 lead at the half in the WWPA Championship Game. In the third, Concordia would fight back to cut the deficit to 3. Going into the final quarter Salem held a 12-9 lead. In the final quarter,
Ivan Petkovski was able to score two goals of his own to help the Salem Tigers secure the WWPA Championship by a score of 16-12 over Concordia. The Tigers were led by
Danko Kesic and
Ivan Petkovski with 5 goals each.
WWPA All-Tournament Team
First Team
Nikola Krstonosic
Marko Zivojinovic
Danko Kesic
Second Team
Duarte Costa
After a great weekend winning the WWPA Championship, the Salem Tigers will look to build on a great season and keep the momentum going when they head to Nationals.
