Porter leads the way, Santos and Carey enjoy outstanding debuts in Saturday’s season opener

VALLEJO, Calif. – Cal Maritime and Bethel (KS) each shot 41 percent from the floor in Saturday's season opener at PEAC Main Gym and matched one another by recording 40 points apiece in the paint. But it was a 14-point difference in points scored off turnovers, a margin that ended in the visiting Threshers' favor, which helped them record an 83-68 result over the Keelhaulers.

By dropping the first of six straight games that are scheduled to take place on its home court throughout the upcoming weeks, CSUM opened the 2022-23 season at 0-1. Bethel will continue its Northern California road trip with a 1-2 overall record.

By shooting just under 50 percent from the floor (9 of 19) and hitting all eight attempts at the free throw line, Alicia Porter led all players with 27 points. By collecting 14 rebounds, another game high, the returning All-Cal Pac First Team talent notched a double-double in the team's inaugural game of the year. 

In her Keelhauler debut, freshman Aysia Santos hit 5 of 7 shots overall and ended her day with 12 points and nine rebounds. Dylan Fulton also ended the game with matching point and rebound totals.

First-year cadet-athlete Anika Carey enjoyed a stellar debut of her own by scoring eight points and grabbing seven boards. 

Women's basketball's season-opening homestand will continue Wednesday with a 5:30 p.m. exhibition matchup against Holy Names, a team that competes at the NCAA Division II level.