Keelhaulers cruise to 41-24 victory in 2023 season opener

VALLEJO, Calif. – Even though Cal Maritime and Cal State Monterey Bay traded tries throughout the inaugural minutes of Saturday's 2023 season opener in Bodnar Field, it was 22 unanswered points scored by the Keelhaulers that helped them pull away as the first half progressed, and create a deficit for the Otters that was simply too large to overcome in a game CSUM won, 41-24.

On the road for its next three games, starting with next Saturday's matchup at Pacific, Cal Maritime will return to action with a 1-0 overall record.

Rugby's season opener continued a busy day for the program that began at the Cal Maritime Athletics Hall of Fame when Mike Schindler was honored for his athletic excellence.

From 2003-07, no Keelhauler made his presence felt on the rugby field more than Schindler, a former MVP, all-conference selection and team captain.

"Mike was an influential captain for a young varsity program and was the most dominant player in any game he played," said head coach Steve Hiatt. "He destroyed opposing scrums, like someone who dismantles a defensive line in football."

Scoring Summary

Cal Maritime 41, Cal State Monterey Bay 24

2:40 CSUM #8  5, #15  2
7:30  CSUMB #17  5
16:00 CSUM #12  5
30:21  CSUM #11  5
32:47  CSUM #14  5
38:58  CSUM #3  5, #15  2
40:00 CSUMB 12  5, #10  2

Halftime Score: Cal Maritime 29, Cal State Monterey Bay 5

9:52: CSUM #15  5
13:52 CSUMB #17  5
24:20  CSUMB #18  5, #15  2
36:37 CSUM #5  5, #15  2