CLAREMONT, Calif. — The Salem University women's water polo team delivered a strong showing at the Claremont Convergence Tournament in California, finishing the event with three victories while competing in five games across multiple venues in the Los Angeles area.
The Tigers opened the stretch with a dominant 17-4 victory over Occidental at the De Mandel Aquatics Center in Los Angeles. Salem's offense controlled the match from the opening whistle, building a 4-1 lead after the first period and exploding for seven goals in the second quarter to take an 11-1 halftime advantage.
Lucy Bramwell led the Tigers with five goals, while Courtney Repinz added four scores. Mackenzie Hamilton and Tilly Hale also contributed during the opening period surge as Salem steadily extended its lead. Kristen Hemmila and Morgan Fenner combined for five saves in goal to help secure the convincing win.
Salem followed with a tightly contested 6-5 victory over Cal State Monterey Bay at the Axelrood Aquatics Center in Claremont. Matipa Karimazondo and Milica Zelic each scored twice to lead the Tigers, while Bramwell and Repinz added one goal apiece. Hemmila recorded nine saves in the cage as Salem held off a late push to seal the one-goal win.
Later in tournament play, Salem earned another narrow victory, defeating Cal Lutheran 7-6 in a defensive battle at De Mandel Aquatics Center. Repinz paced the offense with a hat trick, while Hamilton, Bramwell, Kara Wicht and Karimazondo each scored once. Hemmila anchored the defense with 11 saves, helping the Tigers hold their lead in the final period.
The Tigers also faced two strong opponents during the event. Azusa Pacific defeated Salem 14-10 despite goals from Wicht, Zelic, Karimazondo and Bramwell, while Hale scored twice in the final period as Salem attempted to rally. Hemmila finished the contest with nine saves.
In another matchup, CSUN topped Salem 12-9. The Tigers remained competitive throughout and mounted a late push in the fourth quarter with multiple goals from Repinz and Karimazondo. Bramwell also found the net, while Hemmila made 10 saves in goal.
Across the tournament, Salem showcased a balanced attack led by Bramwell, Repinz, Karimazondo and Zelic, while Hemmila's consistent performances in goal highlighted the Tigers' defensive effort.
Salem's three wins during the tournament underscored the team's offensive depth and resilience as the Tigers continue their early-season competition.
