Back-to-Back: Salem Wins Championship Thriller

FRESNO, Calif. - The Salem University Tigers will represent the Western Water Polo Association (WWPA) in the NCAA Championship following an 11-10 sudden-victory win over Cal State East Bay on Sunday afternoon at the Fresno State Athletics Aquatics Center.

Margherita Garibbo drew a penalty with 1:15 remaining in the second sudden-victory period before Taeghen Hack buried the attempt to lift the Tigers (18-16) to their second consecutive WWPA Championship. Salem faces MAAC champion Wagner College (34-3) in the National Collegiate Water Polo Championship First Round on Wednesday, May 4 at 11am PT in Ann Arbor, Mich. The winner faces No. 1 Stanford in the Quarterfinals on May 6 at 9am.

Chloe Woodbine led all scorers with four goals while tournament MVP Annefleur ten Bloemendal and Hack finished with two goals apiece. Philippa Piper made 12 saves in the cage.

Neither team led by more than two goals the entire match. It appeared CSUEB would be on its way to the postseason in the final moments, but Woodbine scored with just a second remaining in regulation to force overtime.

Hannah Peercy handed the Pioneers the lead in OT, but once again the Tigers answered with a goal from Heather Lock to make it 10-10.

Leti Mosqueda and Auriel Bill both finished with a game-high five points (3g, 2a). CSUEB saw its season end at 15-15 overall.

All-Tournament Team

First Team

(MVP) Annefleur ten Bloemendal, Salem

Pip Piper, Salem

Chloe Woodbine, Salem

Leti Mosqueda, Cal State East Bay

Daniela Passoni, Cal State East Bay

Rachel Spadt, Biola

Maria Gonzalez, Biola

Jaleh Moaddeli, McKendree

Second Team

Margherita Garribo, Salem

Auriel Bill, Cal State East Bay

Veralie Naranjo, Biola

Abigail Burton, McKendree

Kaitlin Rooney, Cal State Monterey Bay

Camryn Berra, Fresno Pacific

Nicole Wiemken, Gannon

Hanna Good, Mercyhurst