Ninth-ranked Keelhaulers defeat USF 29-5

Cal Maritime Rugby is now 4-2 on the season and 4-0 in conference play after road victory over the Dons.

Junior Mike Otair touched down twice for the Keelhaulers, while senior captain CJ Ferrigno, sophomore Matthew Michaud, and senior Sean Carroll added tries as well. Junior Michael Mukuru-Tumusiime was good on two conversions against USF (2-2).

Head Coach Steve Hiatt credited his defense for the victory in San Francisco.

"We have been working hard on our defensive structure and it showed today by allowing only a breakaway try," Hiatt said. "We're really starting to work well together, offensively and defensively. However, we're still making way too many silly, unforced turnovers."

The Keelhaulers will have the week off before resuming action on March 10 at 4 p.m. as part of "Super Saturday" at Cal Maritime's Bodnar Field.

"Super Saturday is a great day of rugby for small colleges and our league, as every team in our league comes together and plays in one location," Hiatt said. "The cadets are looking forward to another opportunity to improve again."

The Keelhaulers will take on Santa Rosa Junior College in their Super Saturday tilt.

"Santa Rosa has been a big rival over the years who have made us pay dearly when we're unprepared or lackluster," Hiatt said. "SRJC has been a very strong opponent over the last 10 years, but last year's fires around Santa Rosa have put a strain on player availability for them. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them and their community as they try to rebound from the devastation caused by the fires."

The other matches for Super Saturday are Sonoma State taking on the University of the Pacific at 10 a.m., CSU Monterey Bay against the University of San Francisco at 12 noon, and Humboldt State versus St. Mary's College at 2 p.m.

Super Saturday is followed up by a big get on the Cal Maritime Rugby hosting Army West Point at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 13.