Cal Maritime sweeps opening day of action at the Keelhauler Classic

VALLEJO, Calif. – Cal Maritime opened the 2021 season as the host of the Keelhauler Classic, a two-day tournament that commenced on Saturday at PEAC Pool. After blowing out UC Merced by a 20-3 result, the Keelhaulers secured a sweep of the day's games when they pulled away late in the fourth period to defeat UC Davis, 8-6.

Cal Maritime will return to its home pool Sunday afternoon to compete in its final matches of the weekend against Cal (12:40 p.m.) and Chico State (3:40 p.m.), and enter tomorrow's doubleheader with a 2-0 record.

In its first match of the weekend (and the season), the Keelhaulers scored 10 unanswered goals against UC Merced to take a healthy lead — one they held for the rest of the match since the Bobcats never pulled within striking distance throughout the final three periods.

Responsible for two of his team's goals scored throughout the first period, junior Ian Diamond finished with a team-high four goals in both Keelhauler contests.

In the back-half of the day's doubleheader vs. UC Davis, senior Brandon Kolarov broke a 4-4 tie midway through the fourth period with 5:23 left to play. Back-and-forth action continued throughout the next minute when the Aggies drew even, only to see Diamond push the Keelhaulers ahead 32 seconds later.

UC Davis made things interesting by scoring on its next possession, but Diamond responded with 3:04 remaining by scoring his final goal of the day, which broke a 6-6 tie for good.

Clutch plays made by the Keelhaulers continues when junior Jake Douglas provided his team with additional breathing room by scoring with 64 seconds remaining, which gave his team a two-goal cushion that ultimately became the final score.

Cal Maritime 20, UC Merced 3 (F)

Cal Maritime  10  3  4  3 – 20
UC Merced      0    2  0  1 – 3

Cal Maritime Goals: Diamond 4, Lebaron 3, Douglas 2, Harryman 2, Winkler 2, Arnett 1, Brounley 1, Cameron 1, Falcon 1, Powley 1, Vance 1, Wadhams 1,
UC Merced Goals: Padilla 2, Alday 1


Cal Maritime 8, UC Davis 6 (F)

Cal Maritime   2  1  1  4 – 8
UC Davis         1  1  1  3 – 6

Cal Maritime Goals: Diamond 4, Cameron 1, DeVries 1, Douglas 1, Kolarov 1
UC Davis Goals:  Roster not provided by team