FULLERTON, Calif. — The Division III No. 10-ranked Carthage College women’s water polo team dropped a 20-8 contest at California State University-Fullerton’s Fullerton Aquatics Center.
Carthage opened the game by trading goals early in the first quarter. Grace Steinberg put the Firebirds on the board with a goal at the 6:09 mark to tie the match at one-all. Cal State Fullerton responded with two more goals to take a 3–1 lead at the end of the first eight minutes.
The Titans expanded their lead in the second quarter, scoring six goals in the period. Steinberg added her second goal of the contest, assisted by Mak Werner, while Kamille Graham converted a penalty shot to keep the Firebirds within striking distance. Carthage trailed 9–3 at halftime.
Cal State Fullerton continued to build momentum in the third quarter, scoring seven goals. Brenna Carstens netted the lone Firebirds’ goal in the span by finishing a pass from Kiera Crawley. The Titans carried a 16–4 advantage into the final quarter.
Carthage showed offensive life in the fourth quarter, scoring four times. Crawley converted a penalty shot, Graham added her second goal of the night on an extra-player opportunity, Malee Todd found the back of the net and Steinberg capped her three-goal performance with a late score.
Steinberg led the Firebirds with three goals on four shots. Graham added two goals and four steals, while Crawley finished with a goal and an assist. Carstens also recorded a goal and an assist in the contest.
Carthage totaled 18 shots in the match and recorded eight goals, including one power-play goal and two penalty-shot conversions.
Release courtesy Carthage College Athletics Communications
