Keelhaulers Go Down Fighting

Keelhaulers Give Dordt All They Can Handle

When the brackets for the NAIA National Tournament came out, the Keelhaulers of Cal Maritime knew they faced quite a challenge when they were matched up with Dordt College. Dordt came in as the #4 ranked team in the country sporting a 28-4 record and Cal Maritime was making their first appearance in the National Tournament. Though Dordt came away with a 61-54 victory, there was no doubt about the fight that Cal Maritime showed as they had the Defenders on the ropes the entire evening.

Cal Maritime raced to a 10-7 lead in the first ten minutes of the game only to see Dordt respond with an impressive run to end the half with a 32-22 lead. The Keelhaulers would not go quietly as they came out of half time determined and it showed as they reeled off 8 straight to bring the game to 32-30. For the rest of the game, both teams went back and forth. Ty Houghton was fouled on a three pointer and made two of three free throws knot the game at 52. The game remained tied until the two minute mark when Dordt went ahead on two free throws. The next possession the Keelhaulers showed great ball movement and found an open man in the corner for a three point attempt. The shot rimmed out and Dordt rebounded and kept the lead for the remainder to finish the victory.

For the Keelhaulers, senior Josh Greenwell led the team with 16 points and fellow senior Ty Houghton followed with 13 points. Isaiah Johnson played an excellent floor game and Isaiah Moore led the team with six rebounds.

For Dordt, All American Trevor Wolsterorff led Dordt with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Cliff Warner (15 points) and Jordan Vogel (12 points) also led the Defenders' attack. The Keelhaulers forced 21 turnovers but were outrebounded 43-20 on the backboards.

Head Coach Bryan Rooney reflected on the game, "We are obviously very disappointed with the result. We left a couple of plays out there offensively that we have made in the past. However, the grit and determination our players demonstrated was unbelievable. We made history this year with our wins and the championships but more importantly we made a statement about the quality of our young men. I am so proud to be their coach!"

With the loss, the Keelhaulers finish their historic season at 21-10 and hold the distinction as the only Cal Pac team to go undefeated through conference play. The 21 wins also marks the most in school history. Cal Maritime graduates 7 seniors who will be missed dearly. The Cal Maritime team would like to thank their fans for all the support this season.

Go Keelhaulers!!!