Santa Clara University made a statement Saturday, defeating Sacramento State 37-26 to secure 1st place in the Northern California D1-AA college league.

Hooker Ryan Falvey scored three tries and prop Chris Falvey added one, as did flanker Tim Ohara in a match that vaulted Santa Clara to a 2-1 league record.

"We came out with great intensity," said Ryan Falvey. "We focused on starting off well and it was the first 20 minutes that set the tome."

Meanwhile Stanford got their first victory of the league season, coming back from a 19-7 deficit to score two tries and two penalties in the second half and beat Chico State 27-19.

"It was an improved performance," said Head Coach Matt Sherman. "They guys have been working very hard. We have eight underclassmen playing and five who are in their first year of rugby. We have good athletes but have to deal with skill breakdowns and tactical mistakes. But it was good to get a win."

Wing Orefeo Tagiuri scored two tries in the match that returned Stanford to contention.

This ends the first half of the season, and with so many close games, it's still anybody's league to win.