LEBANON, Illinois - After pulling in a couple of wins recently, the Salem women's water polo program took the trip over to McKendree this weekend to compete in the first of 2 weekends of conference play. It was some tough competition throughout for the Tigers, but Salem fell in 2 tough contests to Gannon and McKendree. Both contests played out as follows:

McKendree 9, Salem 7

In the first contest, the Tigers faced the host Bearcats. It was a defensive battle early on as neither team were able to score more than 2 goals in the first 2 quarters. However, the second half became a shootout comparatively, and Salem's 4th quarter rally came up just short with the Bearcats pulling away with the 9-7 win. Offensively, Salem was led by 2 goals a piece from Milica Zelic and Emily Rosa. In goal, Emily Low tallied up 7 saves for the Tigers. 

Gannon 11, Salem 10

Next, Salem matched up with Gannon. The Tigers opened well with a 4 goal first quarter. , but the Golden Knights answered right back with a pair of goals to make it 5-4 going into the half. After the break, Gannon uncorked a 5 goal 3rd period that put the Tigers backs against the wall. Salem made a furious comeback bid in the 4th, but Gannon was able to take the lead with 2 late goals to seal the 11-10 win. Offensively, Salem was led by a strong 4 goal performance from Emily Rosa. In goal, Emily Low tallied up 16 saves in the contest.

Despite the setback, Salem will have a chance to get back on track next weekend when they compete up in Ann Arbor, Michigan at the Michigan Invitational.