Kutztown University dominated Air Force 43-0 to win the D1A Open 7s Qualifier in Las Vegas Saturday to book at spot in the D1A Collegiate 7s Championships to be held later this spring.

The Golden Bears were pushed only by St. Bonaventure in the semis, winning six games by a combined score of 206-24. It would have been even more except that their quarterfinal win over Utah Valley 2nds was a forfeit, which was scored at 14-0.

Sophomore Tai Kauwe has a breakout performance throughout the weekend and another sophomore, Kobie Tuckson, burned several opposing teams around the outside. In the final, Kutztown never let Air Force get anything going. The Bears pinned the Zoomies deep in their end, defended superbly, forced errors, and scored tries.

"For our first effort in the New Year I thought we played very well," said Head Coach Gregg Jones. "We've been fortunate with the weather and have been able to get outside a few times. Tha's not always the case. We are pretty fit and we've got a lot of speed. I am really happy."

Special accolades, however, should go to Dmontae Noble. The speedster and now team captain, Noble was far and away the best player of the tournament. He remains elusive and quick, but has added more and more facets to his game, and become an excellent leader as well.

"Dmontae was incredible," said Jones.

Utah Valley's 1st team beat St. Bonaventure 29-24 on Friday for 3rd, while Colorado beat Utah for 5th.