TUCSON, Ariz. – California culminated an unbeaten run through its conference tournament Sunday with a 47-14 victory over Arizona State to win the 2016 PAC Rugby 7s Championship at Kino Stadium, earning the program its fifth straight PAC crown in the Olympic code of the game.
 
To reach the final, the Golden Bears defeated UCLA, 33-5, in the semifinals before outgunning the Sun Devils to win the tournament on Pac-12 Network and finish their fall schedule at 14-1.
 
It was a blend of youth and experience that formed the winning combination for Cal over five matches in two days. Freshman Sam Cusano had three tries in the final after scoring twice against the Bruins, ending his weekend with six trips to the try zone, and his six fellow frosh-sophs each added ingredients to the Bears' success, while Cal's older veterans were skilled, speedy and stout on the road to taking home the 2016 conference 7s title.
 
"We knew it would be a hard day today. Any team among the semifinalists could have won the tournament," said captain Russell Webb. Asked for the keys to Cal's successful weekend, Webb offered, "Composure, and we came out firing. To win a 7s tournament, you've got to have effort."
 
"It was really great to get some of those younger guys in the mix," said Anthony Salaber of the underclassmen on the travel squad. Salaber, like Webb an All-American, put a mark down on the opening kickoff in the final, sprinting underneath the captain's boot to elevate and secure possession for the Bears in just one example of his constant effort throughout Sunday's knockout stages. "They see us working on that stuff after every practice," added Salaber about his ability to poach the kickoff, "and they came down here to put their guts into it this weekend."
 
"We did it today against two very good teams," added Patrick Barrientes. "It's a win for the University of California, and that's what it's all about."
 
Head coach Jack Clark said he and associate head coach Tom Billups were particularly happy with the conference title as a reward for the senior leadership on the team. "Tom and I are pleased for Russell Webb, Anthony Salaber and Patrick Barrientes, our seniors, who close out this conference chase with another championship. They will leave a big void in our team after this spring. We're not just proud of their abilities, we're proud of them as individuals and their ability to set our standard."
 
Having completed their autumn schedule, the Rugby Bears now return to campus ready to resume studies in preparation for end-of-semester exams while they transition in training to the 15-a-side game, the schedule for which will begin in January.
 
The Semifinal Scoring Timeline vs. UCLA
 
02:00 Sam Cusano 5, Russell Webb 2
 
03:00 Sam Cusano 5, Russell Webb 2
 
05:00 Russell Webb 5
 
07:00 Thomas Robles 5, Russell Webb 2
 
Halftime Score: California 26, UCLA 0
 
12:00 Keanu Andrade 5, Elliot Webb 2
 
14:00 UCLA 5
 
Final Score: California 33, UCLA 5
 
The Team vs. UCLA
 
1. Robles, 2. Mirhashem, 3. Salaber, 4. R. Webb, 5. Barrientes, 6. Flynn, 7. Cusano
Replacements: Andrade, Sweet, Salter, E. Webb, Dyer
 
The Championship Scoring Timeline vs. ASU
 
02:00 Sam Cusano 5, Russell Webb 2
 
06:00 ASU 5, 2
 
07:00 Sam Cusano 5, Russell Webb 2
 
08:00 Sam Cusano 5, Russell Webb 2
  
Halftime Score: California 21, Arizona State 7
 
11:00 Russell Webb 5
 
12:00 ASU 5, 2
 
13:00 Russell Webb 5, 2
 
15:00 Patrick Barrientes 5, Russell Webb 2
 
16:00 Nic Mirhashem 5, Elliot Webb 2
 
Final Score: California 47, Arizona State 14
 
The Team vs. Arizona State
1. Robles, 2. Mirhashem, 3. Salaber, 4. R. Webb, 5. Barrientes, 6. Dyer, 7. Cusano
Replacements: Flynn, Andrade, Salter