Cal Maritime’s defense sets new all-time record in 64-27 victory at Pacific Union

ANGWIN, Calif. – If first impressions are the longest-lasting ones, the entire Cal Pac Conference is on full alert regarding Cal Maritime after it blew out Pacific Union in Thursday's season opener, 64-27, at Covered Wagon in Angwin.

Aysia Santos led Cal Maritime with 17 points on 6 of 11 shooting overall and drained 5 of 6 shots from three. Suraya Lloyd added another 12 points, Cal Maritime finished with a plus-9 rebound margin and only turned the ball over 11 times compared to the Pioneers' 24.

The highlight of the night took place throughout the entire third period when the Keelhaulers' defense forced PUC to shoot 1-for-20 overall and finish with only three points scored throughout that 10-minute session.

That is the second-lowest point total for an opponent in any quarter in the program's recorded history, matching Saint Katherine's output in the third quarter of a game played on November 3, 2017. The lowest total scored by any opponent in a quarter is two points: This happened in the second quarter vs. Westcliff on October 25, 2018, and against La Sierra in the first quarter of their February 6, 2020 matchup.

Since all three of those games took place at home; tonight's total is the lowest scored in any quarter, by any opponent, in the program's recorded history in a road game. 

Even though the game was close after one period with the Keelhaulers leading 14-8, Cal Maritime's offense caught fire in the second quarter and added another 24 points before halftime while PUC was limited to only nine.

Aliviyah McMurry scored eight of her 15 points in her debut game as a Keelhaulers during that second period by connecting on 4 of 5 shots from the floor.

As a team, Cal Maritime scored on 10 of 15 field goal attempts, including 4 of 6 shots from three.

But it was the third quarter that sealed the victory as the Keelhaulers' defense limited the Pioneers to only three points and forced them to shoot an abysmal five percent from the floor and score one of their three points at the line.

The Keelhaulers will experience a quick turnaround because their next game will take place on Friday, October 24, against Simpson. Tipoff for the team's home opener inside PEAC Main Gym is set for 5:30 p.m.