TEMPE, Arizona - With ever changing winter weather conditions all over the Mountain State, the Salem women's water polo team was fortunate enough to head out to Tempe, Arizona this weekend to compete in the Arizona State Invitational. It was a tough competition with Salem facing off with some of the top teams from across the country. Unfortunately, the Tigers were unable to bring home a win. Each contest played out as follows:
Arizona State 17, Salem 7
In the opening contest of the weekend, the Tigers faced the host Arizona State Sun Devils. The contest opened with a pair of goals from Iris Oudshoorn and Lucy Bramwell for the Tigers. However, the host Sun Devils held firm in their home pool, and controlled the contest the whole way to a 17-7 defeat of the Tigers. Statistically, Salem was led by 3 goals from the aforementioned Iris Oudshoorn and 2 goals from Kristen Hemmila.
Iona 19, Salem 9
In the second contest of the weekend, the Tigers had a rematch with the Iona Gaels. It was a tight contest most of the way, but a 6 goal 3rd quarter from the Gaels spelled doom for Salem. The Tigers made a valiant effort at a comeback in the fourth, but it was simply not enough to catch the Gaels. Therefore, the Tigers were dealt a 19-9 loss. Despite the loss, Salem was led offensively by 2 goals each from Milica Zelic and Kristen Hemmila.
Long Island 14, Salem 9
For the first game of the second day of competition, Salem took on Long Island. Kara Wicht and Keri Brooks got things going for Salem with a pair of early goals. Long Island stormed right back and we had a tight game on our hands most of the way. However, Long Island was able to outpaced Salem on their way to the 141-9 win. Statistically, the Tigers got solid performances from Lucy Bramwell with 3 goals and Keri Brooks with 2 goals.
California State-Fullerton 15, Salem 11
In the final contest of the weekend, Salem took on the Titans of California State Fullerton. Salem fell behind early, but surged back behind goals from Emma Donnelly and Mackenzie Hamilton. We had another closely contested match for the Tigers, but the Titans were able to hand Salem a tough 14-11 loss to conclude the weekend's events. From the scorer's table, Salem was led by 3 goals from Lucy Bramwell and 2 goals each from Emma Donnelly and Milica Zelic.Â
Despite some tough results from this trip, Salem has plenty of time to get back on track this season. They get back into the pool at Mylan Park in Morgantown for their first home contests of the season against Saint Francis and the Virginia Military Institute on Sunday, March 2nd.
