NEW LONDON, Conn. - Trailing 4-2 midway through the second quarter, the Connecticut College women's water polo team reeled off an 8-2 run, holding on to defeat Carthage College 11-8 on Sunday from Lott Natatorium to earn fifth-place at the 2024 CWPA Championships.

Conn opened the scoring just 27 seconds into the contest as Gigi Sandull (Kenilworth, N.J.) hit the back of the net. Carthage responded just 30 seconds later, tying the game at one. Both teams had chances to go in front, but both goalies were strong as the game was tied at one after one.

The Firebirds came out strong in the second frame, using two quick goals to take a 3-1 lead with 5:51 left. Brooke Brandenburger (Sacramento, Calif.) cut the lead in half just 15 seconds later, but Carthage answered, going back up 4-2. The Camels responded with two goals in just over a minute to tie the game at four, with Ainsley Cornwall (San Mateo, Calif.) and Emma Luna (Wahiawa, Hawaii) netting the markers. Carthage retook the lead with just over a minute left, but Cornwall's second goal tied the game at five at the break. 

Sandull got the Camels started in the third quarter, but the Firebirds found a quick response knotting the game at six. With just under three to play in the frame, Luna drew a penalty shot, making no mistake to put Conn in front 7-6. Cornwall and Sandull went back-to-back late in the quarter, as the Camels took a 9-6 advantage into the fourth quarter.

Sandull notched her fourth goal of the game with five minutes to play as the lead was extended to 10-6. Carthage did not go away quietly, as the Firebirds answered with two goals in quick succession to make it 10-8 with 1:20 left to play. Just nine seconds later Brandenburger put the comeback effort to bed, as the Camels came away with the 11-8 win.

Maddie Baybeck (Ann Arbor, Mich.) got the start in the cage, finishing with eight saves in the win. Sandull led the way with four goals, while Cornwall recorded three goals and one assist, Brandenburger adding two goals and two assists, and Luna notching two goals and one assist.

Following the championship game, Emma Luna was named to the CWPA All-Tournament First-Team.

Conn's season comes to a close, as the Camels finish the season with a 10-7 record finishing fifth at the CWPA Championships.