LEBANON, Illinois - To open play in the WWPA, the Salem men's water polo team made the long trip to the Land of Lincoln this week to compete in 4 games hosted by the McKendree Bearcats. The Tigers split the weekend series as they fell twice in Saturday's contests, but they rebounded to earn a pair of wins on Sunday.
McKendree 13, Salem 9
The Tigers took on the host Bearcats in the first contest of the weekend. The game was close early on with 4 goals a piece in the first period. McKendree edged the Tigers 4-2 in the second, and the Tigers had their work cut out for them after the half. However, that comeback bid never came to fruition, and Salem fell 13-9. Statistically, Danko Kesic led the Tigers with 3 goals, and Ewan Rios recorded 4 saves in goal.
Gannon 21, Salem 15
Next, the Tigers took on Gannon for the second time this season. The Golden Knights jumped out to an early lead, and controlled the contest into the halftime break. Salem put together a furious rally with 6 goals in the third, but it was simply not enough to overcome the Golden Knights. Marko Zivojinovic led Salem in scoring with 7 goals, and Ewan Rios recorded 4 saves in goal.
Salem 18, Augustana 10
On day 2, the Tigers faced off with the Vikings of Augustana. The Tigers quickly put the missteps of Day 1 behind them as they opened the contest by scoring 5 goals in each of the first 3 quarters, and allowing just 2 goals in the entire first half. Therefore, Salem cruised to the 18-10 win. Marko Zivojinovic led the way with 7 goals for the Tigers, and Ewan Rios recorded 3 saves.
Salem 23, Ottawa 21
In the final contest of the weekend, the Tigers squared off with Ottawa. Salem fell behind in the first, but rode a 7 goal 2nd quarter to take a 12-9 lead into the break. Ottawa kept the pressure on with a strong second half, but some key goals down the stretch sealed the 23-21 win for the Tigers. Danko Kesic led Salem with 11 goals, and Ewan Rios tallied 3 saves.
Next up, the Tigers head up to the greater Boston area to compete in the Harvard Invite on October 18.
