LA MIRADA, California - The Salem women's water polo team finished up the regular season at home about a week ago, and now they wrap up their postseason slate as well with a set of 3 contests as part of the WWPA Championships held in La Mirada, California and hosted by Biola University. The Tigers would end up with a 1-2 record on the weekend, and each contest played out as follows:

California State East Bay 14, Salem 5

For Game 1, the Tigers took on the CSU East Bay Pioneers. Salem had their work cut out for them early on when they fell behind 4-0 in the first quarter. Taeghen Hack was able to get the Tigers on the board with a goal in the second, but Salem found themselves in need of a big second half rally when they went into the break with a 9-1 deficit. The Tigers kept the pressure on in the third with a goal from Iris Oudshoorn. In the fourth, the Tigers launched a rally that saw 2 goals from JoJo DeSalvo and a single goal from Lorelai Weaver. Despite the 2nd half improvements, the Tigers ultimately fell by a final score of 14-5 to the Pioneers. 

Salem 11, California State Monterey Bay 10

For Game 2, Salem took on the Otters of CSU Monterey Bay. It was a back and forth contest throughout. Salem took a 5-1 lead after the first, but the Otters responded with 5 of their own in the 2nd to make it 9-6 favoring Salem going into the intermission. After the break, the Otters continued their comeback push by outscoring Salem 3-1 in the third. And then, both team locked down in the fourth. Morgan Riordan put the Tigers up 11-9, and a late Otter rally was fended off by the Tiger defense to seal the slim 11-10 win for Salem. The Tigers were led in scoring by Faith Stewart. Taeghen Hack led the Tigers in assists on the day with 6. In goal, Lorelai Weaver and Emily Low combined for 11 saves. 

Fresno Pacific 13, Salem 11

For the final contest of the weekend, Salem took on the Sunbirds of Fresno Pacific. It was another tight ball game for the Tigers. Salem fell behind again in the first 2-1, and both teams traded goals in the 2nd. It was 5-3 favoring the Sunbirds going into halftime. After the break, Salem needed to build some momentum for their comeback bid. They were able to score 4 in both the 3rd and 4th quarters, but it would not be enough to down the Sunbirds, Salem ultimately fell by a tight 13-11 scoreline. Statistically, Salem was led by 5 goals and 2 assists for a total of 7 points from senior leader Taeghen Hack. In goal, Lorelai Weaver and Emily Low logged a total of 10 saves between them. 

While these contests do end the Tiger's 2024 slate, there is a lot for Head Coach Jeff Passwater's team to build on in preparation for the 2025 season next spring. The Salem University Athletic Department would like to thank all the coaches, fans, and (most importantly) student-athletes that contributed to all the strides the Salem Women's Water Polo team has made this year both in the pool and in the classroom.