ANNAPOLIS, Maryland - After a strong showing in Washington, Pennsylvania last weekend, the Salem men's water polo team faced 6 tough games in the U.S. Naval Academy Open this weekend. The Tigers squared off with host Navy, MIT, Wheaton, George Washington, Mount Saint Mary's and Princeton. Overall, Salem finished 3-3, and each contest played out as follows. 

Princeton 21, Salem 8

In Game 1, Salem fell behind early, and simply had a tough time keeping up offensively with a talented Princeton squad. Salem made a valiant effort with a second half rally, but it was just little too late for the Tigers. Statistically, Salem was led by 3 goals from Danko Kesic and 4 saves from Mateja Cerovic.

Mount Saint Mary's 22, Salem 16

For Game 2, the Tigers found themselves in a tightly contested offensive battle with Mount Saint Mary's. The Tigers held a lead going into the half, but Mount Saint Mery's rode a huge second half wave to the 22-16 win. Salem was led by 6 goals from Nandor Voros. 

George Washington 18, Salem 12

In Game 3, the Tigers found themselves in an early hole against George Washington. The Tigers kept the pressure on, but simply could not catch up with George Washington. 4 goals from Marko Zivojinovic and 3 goals from Danko Kesic.

Salem 20, Wheaton 10

In Game 4, the Tigers bounced back with a strong offensive showing against Wheaton. The Tigers scored 10 and allowed just 2 in the first half, and sealed the win with a big 7 goal 4th quarter. Statistically, Salem was led by 5 goals from Timothy Fischer, and 4 goals each from Gage Buttice and Nicholas Duncan. 

Salem 17, Navy 13

For Game 5, the Tigers took on the host Midshipmen. Salem came out of the gates quickly with 6 first quarter goals. From there, Salem held off each and every Navy attempt at a comeback including a 5 goal 4th quarter from the Midshipmen to win 17-13. Statistically, Salem was led by 7 goals from Danko Kesic and 5 goals from Marko Zivojinovic. 

Salem 15, MIT 14

For the final game of the weekend, the Tigers squared off with MIT. The game was tight the whole way, but the Tigers were able to keep the Engineers at bay on their way to the 15-14 win. Salem was led by 3 goals each from Danko Kesic and Antonio Sablic. Mateja Cerovic tallied 6 saves in the contest. 

Next up, Salem will head to Lewisburg, Pennsylvania to compete in the Bucknell Invitational where there are set to take on Bucknell, Mount Saint Mary's, and rival Gannon on September 20th and 21st.