April 21, 2001

Berkeley, CA. - Cal will play Air Force for a Final Four spot Sunday after dispatching Virginia Tech 77-5 in Saturday's play-offs.

The Bears scored 11 tries and, perhaps more importantly, rested several starters for Sunday's national championship quarterfinal.

"Having not played in a while, I was pleased with our form," said Cal head coach Jack Clark. "Several reserve players stepped up and did themselves proud. We will have some fresh legs tomorrow, and looking at Air Force's form, I think we will need them."

In contrast to Cal's game, Air Force battled to a 30-17 win over San Diego State. The Aztecs twice came back at the Academy side keeping within a converted try of the lead until the 70th minute.

Cal and Air Force will face off on Witter Rugby Field at 1.00 PM Sunday while Virginia Tech and San Diego State play a consolation match at 11.00 AM.

For Cal, scrumhalf Dominic Cooke opened the scoring and had a hattrick by the 25th minute. Center Mark Verlatti also scored three tries and fullback Dave Guest had a near perfect day with his boot, adding six conversions and two penalties.

The Bears have won 10 straight national rugby championships and are seeking their 11th in 2001. The winner of tomorrow's match will head to Virginia Beach for the Final Four on May 5th & 6th.

Scoring First Half: Dominic Cooke try & Dave Guest conversion, 2nd minute, Cooke try, 6th min., Mark Verlatti try & Guest conv., 15th min., Cooke try & Guest conv., 25th min., Verlatti try & Guest conv., 28th min., Guest penalty kick, 33rd min., Guest pen. kick, 37th min.

Second Half: Penalty try, Guest conv., 43rd min., Kevin Ambrosini try & Guest conv., 49th min., Marc Tausend try, 17th min., John Willenborg try & Matt Viboch conv., 60th min., Verlatti try & Viboch conv., 66th min., Virginia Tech try, 70th min., Willenborg try 74th min.

First Half Cal 39 Virginia Tech 0

Second Half Cal 38 Virgnia Tech 5

Final Cal 77 Virginia Tech 5

Cal Record: 13-1-0