Kutztown University is now in 1st place in the Rugby East after defeating Penn State Saturday, riding a torrid first half and holding on as the Lions roared back.

Aaron Gray went over in the first five minutes to give Kutztown an early lead, and two minutes later scrumhalf Tai Kauwe zipped in and with Thorne O'Connell's conversion Kutztown led 12-0 after eight minutes.

Penn State was able to settle things down for a while after that, but O'Connell added a penalty, and then three minutes later prop Keyon McCloud powered over. O'Connell converted and Kutztown had a commanding 22-0 lead at halftime.

The lead grew after halftime as Daquan Perry raced in at 43 minutes for a 27-0 lead.

Penn State rebounded after that. Wing Jesse Capriotti broke some tackles and was gone down the sideline. Capriotti turned on the jets once more and with Dalton Musselman converting it was suddenly 27-14 Kutztown rallied, however, and Gray went over for his second to put the Bears ahead 34-14.

That try was key.

'I wasn't really nervous because we scored right after they scored," said Kutztown Head Coach Gregg Jones. "Penn State was very good and came back but we still felt in control."

Just enough. Ian Kilcullen crashed through for Penn State's third try, and then Musselman scored with no time left.

That last try gave Penn State a four-try bonus point, which could come into play as the season goes on. But Kutztown looked very good.

"That first half was the best I have seen us play," said Jones.

Kutztown is now 3-0 in the Rugby East, with Penn State at 3-1. The teams are tied on standings points, but Kutztown has better points difference and a game in hand.