This past weekend saw the Lady Keelhaulers (2-4 overall) split a pair of games with NAIA Division I foes as Cal Maritime participated in the annual Holy Names Thanksgiving Classic.   Cal Maritime opened the tourney by drawing Azusa Pacific (5 -1). It was a tall order as the Cougars, currently ranked number 6 in the nation, handled Cal Maritime easily.  The first half was back-and-forth, but the Keelhaulers offensive woes allowed Azusa Pacific to take a 12- point lead into the half.  This deficit proved too much to overcome, as the Keelhaulers fell by 17.  Cal Maritime was led by Lauren Westbrook’s 22 points, and Coach Dave Covell found a silver lining in the defeat, noting the team defense and determined effort put forth by his squad in the face of a hostile road crowd. 

In the consolation game, Cal Maritime (2-4), earned their second victory of the young season, again rallying behind a strong team effort.  The Keelhaulers were matched up with Hope International, and Cal Maritime set the tone early, holding the Royals to only 8 points for the first 15 minutes of the contest.  Unlike the previous evening, the defensive intensity was matched by offensive proficiency and the Keelhaulers took an 11 point lead into the half, and looked like they were going to run away with the game, expanding their lead to 18 in the second stanza.   However, Hope International made a run that cut the lead to 7 points with less then 4 minutes to go in the game.  The Keelhaulers composed themselves, made several key defensive stops, knocked down their free throws and earned a hard-fought victory.  The Keelhaulers were led by Junior Point Guard Taylor Himmelspach (18 points, 7 assists and 6 rebounds).  Keniya Thurman (13 points) and Lauren Westbrook (10 points) were also in double figures and Angel Goodall chipped in 8 points and grabbed a game high 11 rebounds (7 of which were offensive).  Transfer Guard Cherish Bustos came off the bench and added 8 points in a solid all-around performance. Coach Covell commented “It was a great team effort by the Keelhaulers tonight.  The night before we played a great game on defense but needed help with the scoring load; tonight we had a very balanced scoring effort with three players in double figures and another two with 8 points.  I like where we are as a team on the defensive end.” 

The Keelhaulers take the next two weeks off, but return to Morrow Cove to kick off Cal Pac play on December 13 with a 5:30 tip-off against conference foe Dominican University.

Go Keelhaulers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!