CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – The Salem University men's water polo team opened its 2025 season with a strong showing against some of the nation's toughest competition, highlighted by a 13–9 victory over MIT to start the weekend. The Tigers followed with matchups against Harvard, LIU, and Brown, gaining valuable experience as the new campaign got underway.
Salem's opening win over MIT set the tone early. Sophomore Danko Kesic powered the offense with six goals and two assists, while senior Marko Zivojinovic added three goals and three assists to lead a balanced attack. Nandor Voros contributed a goal and two assists, with Medun Arsovic and Marko Jovanovic each finding the back of the net once. In goal, Ewan Rios turned in a strong effort with nine saves and a steal, helping Salem secure a 13–9 decision.
The Tigers faced a quick turnaround against perennial power Harvard, falling 22–7 in their second outing. Zivojinovic and Voros once again led the offense with two goals apiece, while Kelvin Caesar and Jovanovic each scored once. Fulop Zsombor provided two assists, and Rios finished with three saves and a steal in the cage.
Salem rebounded with one of its most exciting efforts of the weekend in a 14–13 overtime battle with LIU. Voros paced the Tigers with five goals and two assists, and Kesic added four goals. Zivojinovic was a force throughout, recording three goals and four assists. Freshmen Samson Hurey, Gage Buttice, and Connor McAlister also scored, with McAlister's last-second goal in regulation forcing overtime. Rios was outstanding in goal, collecting 12 saves to keep Salem in contention until the final moments.
The Tigers closed their East Coast trip with a 14–7 setback at Brown, where Kesic, Zivojinovic, and Buttice each scored twice. Freshman Nicholas Duncan added his first collegiate goal, while Zsombor and James Fenner each tallied two assists. Rios added three saves and two steals as Salem battled to the finish against the nationally ranked Bears.
Next Up. the Tigers head home to compete with Washington and Jefferson, Gannon, McKendree, and Mercyhust as WWPA play continues on October 25th and 26th at The Bridge Sports Complex in Bridgeport, West Virginia
