A Great Start to the New Year

The California Maritime Academy women's basketball team started 2013 on the right note as they defeated Claremont McKenna on Friday afternoon by the score of 65-57. Led by a stellar defensive effort, the Keelhaulers held the Athenas to 36% shooting and forced 17 turnovers for the game. The win provides some momentum as Cal Maritime heads into California Pacific Conference play next week.

Offensively, juniors Shante Sands (19 points, 4 assists) and Tatjana Pitts (13 points, 12 rebounds) led the way while senior Courtney Chew joined the pair in double figures with 11 points. Ball security played a key role as well as the Keelhaulers only had 6 turnovers and their 12 assists was a season high.

For the Athenas, Aria Krumwiede (19 points) and Kyra Ray (13 points) kept Claremont McKenna close throughout until the Keelhaulers stretch their lead to double figures in the last minute. The loss drops the Athenas' record to 4-9.

Head Coach Dave Covell commented on the win, "It was obviously great to get the win but the most important thing was our cohesion on both ends of the floor. Offensively, we shared the ball and defensively we executed together. This is a great sign going forward and should be an excellent lesson to our team that playing as one leads to success."

The Keelhaulers are back in action tonight as they take on La Sierra University at 6:30pm. Cal Maritime's final non conference contest is next Friday as they travel to UC Santa Cruz. The next night Cal Maritime opens up conference play with a trip to Pacific Union College.