Porter's double-double highlights Cal Maritime's return to action

VALLEJO, Calif. – Off since the final game of its home tournament, which took place on December 12, women's basketball returned to action for its Cal Pac opener since its first five league games were postponed due to COVID protocols. 

The Keelhaulers enjoyed a hot start to Thursday's game at PEAC Main Gym by ending the first quarter on an 11-2 run, which game them an 18-10 lead entering the second quarter.

What started with Marissa Serrano's three-point play continued with another trey when Kai Kraus drained one from distance, which gave the Keelhaulers a 13-8 lead midway through the quarter. Combined with Alicia Porter's layup, the Keelhaulers scored eight unanswered before the Warriors stopped that run with one minute and 47 seconds remaining in the quarter.

That basket was one of five hit by Porter, who led all Keelhaulers with 12 points and a game-high 14 rebounds.

After Westcliff ended its scoring drought, Anjali Sharma hit another three for her team, which gave Cal Maritime its largest lead of the night at eight points.

But Westcliff responded once action resumed by scoring 28 points in the second quarter, which ultimately gave it the lead for good In a game the Warriors won by an 84-35 score.

Cal Maritime will end its weekend homestand with Saturday's 1 p.m. Cal Pac contest vs. Saint Katherine and enter that matchup at 0-9 overall and 0-1 in league play. Westcliff is now 6-7 and 3-0 against conference schools with Thursday's result.