ANN ARBOR, Michigan - After finishing their first leg of conference play last weekend, the Salem women's water polo squad had the tough task of taking on the Michigan Invitational this weekend. The competition was fierce in Ann Arbor, and the Tigers were unable to pull out a win in 4 contests. Each game played out as follows:

Marist 19, Salem 8

In the opening contest of the weekend, Salem took on Marist. The Tigers were neck and neck with the Red Foxes in the first with both teams scoring 2 goals a piece. The game remained close into the half with Marist going up 7-5 just before the break. A slow second half offensively for Salem spelled doom for Salem, and Marist pulled away for the 19-8 win. Offensively, Kristen Hemmila led the way for Salem with 3 goals. Emma Donnelly and Kara Wicht each added a pair of goals as well. In goal, Emily Low and Morgan Fenner tallied 9 saves for Salem in the contest.

Pomona-Pitzer 19, Salem 8

Next, the Tigers took on the Sagehens of Pomona-Pitzer College. It was another slow day for Salem offensively, but Salem kept things close with a pair of goals in the second quarter. The Sagehens still controlled the game in the second half, but Salem made one more push with 4 goals in the 4th. However, it was simply too little too late for the Tigers as Ponoma-Pitzer ran away with the 19-8 win. Offensively, Emma Donnelly led the way for Salem with 3 goals. In the cage, Emily Low and Morgan Fenner combined for 7 saves. 

Bucknell 10, Salem 7

In the third contest of the weekend, Salem squared off with Bucknell. The Tigers controlled the contes 3-2 after the first, but 4 Bucknell goals in the second put the score at 6-3 at the half. The Tigers traded goals with Bucknell the rest of the way, but Salem was unable to overcome the slim deficit as they ultimately fell to Bucknell 10-7. Offensively, Kristen Hemmila scored 3 times for the Tigers, and Kara Wicht and Iris Oudshoorn both finished just behind her with 2 goals each. Defensively, Emily racked up 10 saves in the cage for Salem.

Michigan 21, Salem 7

In the final contest of the weekend, the Tigers had the tough task of taking on the host Michigan Wolverines. It was a tough matchup for Salem, but the Tigers kept things close with 3 goals in the first. However, the Wolverines took control from there and they led 10-3 going into the halftime break. The Tigers made a valiant effort at a second half surge, but the Wolverines were not to be outplayed in their home pool. Therefore, Salem fell 21-7 to Michigan. Salem was led by 2 goals from Kristen Hemmila offensively. Defensively, Lorelai Weaver and Morgan Fenner combined for 8 saves in the cage. 

Despite the tough results this weekend, Salem will have a chance to get back on track when they head to Erie, Pennsylvania on April 5th and 6th for 4 games, including conference matchups with Gannon and McKendree, at the WWPA Erie Weekend event.