The Salem University women's water polo team competed in a demanding slate of matchups at the VMI Invite and in Poughkeepsie, showcasing offensive firepower and resilience while earning three impressive victories.
Salem opened against Villanova, falling 22-10, but closed the game with a strong offensive push. Emma Donnelly led the Tigers with three goals, while Kara Wicht added two. Salem erupted for five goals in the fourth quarter, showing determination against a nationally competitive opponent.
Against Bucknell, the Tigers dropped a 14-4 decision but saw key contributions from Lucy Bramwell and Courtney Repinz. Bramwell netted both of Salem's second-quarter goals, while Repinz added two more in the second half. Kristen Hemmila recorded a save in goal as the Tigers continued to battle throughout.
Salem responded in a big way with a 15-12 win over Saint Francis (Pa.). Repinz and Matipa Karimazondo each scored four goals to lead the charge, while Bramwell added three. Kara Wicht, Iris Oudshoorn, and Emma Donnelly also scored. The Tigers' five-goal third quarter proved decisive, and Hemmila (7 saves) along with Morgan Fenner (4 saves) helped secure the victory.
The momentum continued in a 17-9 triumph over Mount St. Mary's. Repinz delivered one of the top individual performances of the weekend with seven goals. Bramwell and Keri Brooks provided early scoring, and Tilly Hale and Karimazondo helped Salem pull away in the second quarter. Hemmila anchored the defense with 10 saves as the Tigers closed the game with a dominant six-goal fourth period.
Salem capped the VMI Invite with a 16-9 win over VMI. Bramwell led the way with five goals, while Wicht added four. Repinz, Mackenzie Hamilton, Hale, and Karimazondo all contributed multiple goals in a balanced offensive attack. A seven-goal third quarter broke the game open, and Hemmila was outstanding with 15 saves in the cage.
In Poughkeepsie, Salem battled Iona in a tight 13-11 contest. Bramwell again led the Tigers with four goals, while Repinz added three. Hemmila and Fenner combined for nine saves to keep Salem within reach, and the Tigers pushed late before falling just short.
The trip concluded against Marist, where Bramwell scored three goals to pace the offense. Wicht and Milica Zelic each added scores, highlighting Salem's depth in a 16-8 matchup.
Over the course of the week, Salem recorded three double-digit victories and surpassed 15 goals in three separate games. Repinz and Bramwell consistently powered the offense, while Hemmila delivered multiple double-digit save performances in goal. The Tigers' balanced scoring and resilience against strong competition provide momentum moving forward in the season.
