CLAREMONT – The Carthage College women's water polo team traveled to California to compete in the USAWP Division III National Championships, marking the program's first-ever appearance on the national stage. The Firebirds closed out a historic 2026 season with their trip to nationals this past weekend. The highlight of the weekend came from Kamille Graham receiving all-tournament team honors. 


Game One

• Final score: Carthage 5 - CMS 24
• Location: Claremont, Calif.

Game Two

• Final score: Carthage 6 - Macalester 7
• Location: Claremont, Calif. 

Game One

• Carthage fell to Claremont-Mudd-Scripps in the opening game of the tournament. CMS struck first, scoring twice in the opening two minutes before Graham put the Firebirds on the board at the 6:26 mark. The first quarter ended with CMS leading 5-3, as Carthage also saw goals from Graham and Brenna Carstens, with an assist credited to Kiera Crawley.
• In the second quarter, CMS extended its lead, outscoring the Firebirds 7-2. Morrigan Bushroe-Stumpf scored at 3:53 off another assist from Crawley, while Carstens added a goal at 3:02. Despite the efforts, CMS held a commanding 12-5 advantage at halftime.
• CMS carried its momentum into the second half, opening with two quick goals. Carthage generated multiple scoring opportunities but was unable to convert, as CMS outscored the Firebirds 5-0 in the third quarter to extend the lead to 17-5.
• In the final frame, CMS added seven more goals to secure a 24-5 victory over the Firebirds.

Game Two

• Carthage opened strong against Macalester, taking an early lead as Graham scored at 6:25 off an assist from Yamila Areizaga. Mak Werner followed with a goal at 4:47 to give the Firebirds a 2-0 advantage, while the defense held Macalester scoreless through the first quarter.
• The second quarter proved to be a defensive battle, with just one goal scored. Macalester cut into the lead, making it 2-1 heading into halftime.
• Carthage found its rhythm in the third quarter, holding Macalester scoreless while adding three goals. Crawley scored at 3:31 off a pass from Graham, who later added a goal of her own at 2:30 with an assist from Aubrey Korzyniewski. Carstens capped the quarter with a goal in the final 43 seconds, assisted by Graham, giving the Firebirds a 5-1 lead.
• In the fourth quarter, however, Macalester mounted a comeback, outscoring Carthage 6-1 to take the lead and ultimately the game, 7-6. The lone Firebirds goal in the final frame came from Areizaga, assisted by Graham.

Game One

• Carstens and Graham led the Firebirds with two goals apiece, each adding an assist. Bushroe-Stumpf contributed one goal, while Crawley dished out two assists. In goal, Edie Hamilton recorded four saves.

Game Two

• Graham paced the Firebirds with two goals and three assists. Areizaga added one goal and one assist, while Carstens, Werner, and Crawley each found the back of the net once. Hamilton anchored the defense with 12 saves in goal.