Cal Maritime Defeats Loyola Marymount to Reach Elite 8

(Sanford, FL, April 17, 2009) – Cal Maritime travelled to Florida for the Sweet 16 play-off against Loyola Marymount and after going behind 14-3 early in the game, came back to win 40-26. The win means  Cal Maritime face Georgetown in the Elite 8 tomorrow.

Rufus Walker opened the scoring with a penalty early in the game before Loyola scored two unanswered tries to lead 14-3 after fifteen minutes. The Keelhaulers clawed their way back into the game following a try from Bobbie Rather and two more penalties from Rufus Walker. At half time the scores were all level at 14-14.

Cal Maritime started the second half strongly and senior Bobbie Rather scored two more tries to complete an excellent hat-trick. Rufus Walker scored a try to pull the Keelhaulers further in front and Matt MacNaughton scored the final try at the end of the game to seal the victory.

“It was good to see the team fight back from a 14-3 deficit and earn their victory”, said coach Edward Roberts. “We are delighted to be in the elite 8 but have a quick turnaround to play against a very good Georgetown team on less than 24 hours rest”.

The next game for Cal Maritime is against Georgetown in a Elite 8 play-off game game on Saturday April 18,  2009.

Scorers

Cal Maritime

Tries: Rather (3), Walker, McNaughton

Cons: Walker (2)

Pens: Walker (3)