Monett, Mo. — The Carthage Tigers girls swimming team came agonizingly close to dethroning host Monett in a tightly contested dual meet Tuesday night at the Monett Area YMCA Pool, falling just 8.5 points short in a final team score of 389–380.5.
Webb City finished third with 373 points, and Joplin placed sixth with 191.
The meet highlighted the depth and talent in the Carthage lineup, particularly in the individual events. Senior Olivia Manning delivered one of the night's standout performances, winning the 200-yard individual medley in 2:25.53 and the 100-yard breaststroke in 1:14.18. Her victories helped Carthage claim the top spot in the 200-yard medley relay (2:08.89) with teammates Rylee Wallace, Caelyn Samuelson, and Matilde Cicchetti.
Cicchetti, a key contributor for the Tigers, added a second-place finish in the 500-yard freestyle (6:25.84) and third in the 200-yard freestyle (2:20.16).
Webb City, led by senior Norah Klosterman, made a strong showing in the distance events. Klosterman dominated the 200-yard freestyle (2:12.65) and the 500-yard freestyle (6:00.86), earning the meet's top individual performer honors. The Cardinals also claimed the 400-yard freestyle relay in a blazing 4:14.80, anchored by Klosterman, Aspen Ritchie, Olivia Page, and Kyla Potter.
Webb City's Aubrey Peterson and Arianna Dawson tied for third in diving with identical scores of 124.35.
Joplin ‘s Brooklynn Lurten earned a runner-up finish in the 100-yard freestyle (1:07.71), and Brylea Smith placed second in the 100-yard breaststroke (1:27.66). The Eagles' 200-yard freestyle relay team also posted a solid time of 2:18.81.
The close finish between Monett and Carthage sets up an exciting rematch later in the season, while Webb City and Joplin continue to build momentum heading into the conference and state meets.