IRVINE, Calif. — The Salem University Tigers wrapped up their 2026 postseason campaign this weekend at the William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center, securing a third-place finish in the Western Water Polo Association (WWPA) Championship. Entering as the East Region's top seed, the Tigers displayed resilience and veteran leadership, rebounding from a tough semifinal exit to finish the tournament on a high note.

Semifinals: #2W Biola 6, #1E Salem 3

In a defensive battle that featured elite goalkeeping on both ends, the Biola Eagles managed to edge out the Tigers in a low-scoring affair.

The match started as a stalemate, with Ava LoBue opening the scoring for Biola before Salem's Matipa Karimazondo answered back at the 2:51 mark of the first period to tie it at 1-1. The Eagles managed to find a slight edge in the second, heading into halftime with a narrow 3-2 lead despite a goal from Lucy Bramwell.

Salem's defense, anchored by Kristen Hemmila (8 saves), kept the Tigers within striking distance throughout the second half. However, the offense struggled to solve Biola's Fernanda Luna, who recorded 12 saves. A late consolation goal from Courtney Repinz wasn't enough to overcome the Eagles' late push, as Biola secured the 6-3 victory to advance to the finals.

Third-Place Game: #1E Salem 12, #3W CSU Monterey Bay 7

The Tigers showed no signs of a "hangover" in the third-place game, delivering their most explosive offensive performance of the tournament to defeat the Cal State Monterey Bay Otters.

The Otters jumped out to an early 4-3 lead after the first period, but the Tigers' veteran core took over from there. Salem's relentless attack found the back of the net three times in each of the remaining three periods. Lucy Bramwell and Matipa Karimazondo spearheaded the comeback, while Courtney Repinz and Iris Oudshoorn added multiple goals to put the game out of reach.

The defensive effort was equally impressive in the final frame; Hemmila and the Tiger defense shut out the Otters in the fourth period, turning a competitive game into a decisive five-goal victory.

Tournament Notes

• Kristen Hemmila remained a wall in the cage, totaling 16 saves over the two featured matches.

• Courtney Repinz, the 2026 All-WWPA Player of the Year, continued her dominant form, scoring in both contests.

• The Tigers finish the season with another trophy for the cabinet, reinforcing their status as the premier program in the WWPA East.

The Tigers will now look toward the off-season as they prepare to build on this year's East Region title and championship run.