UCLA has clinched the 2nd playoff spot in the D1-A Pacific Conference with a convincing 39-13 defeat pf Cal Poly Saturday.

The Bruins got two tries from outside center Sam Sirrell and seven points from the boot of scrumhalf Grant Penney in the win.

Both teams went into the match with a playoff spot in mind. Cal Poly could get it if they won Saturday and again against Central Washington. CWU was hoping for a Cal Poly win, and then a victory over the Mustangs. All UCLA needed to do was win.

In a game of two halves, Cal Poly put UCLA under plenty of pressure in the first half, especially in the scrum. The Bruins survived, though, and led 10-3 at halftime.

In the second half, "We decided not to throw the ball away and play with better continuity," said UCLA Head Coach Scott Stewart. And the Bruins responded, scoring four tries.

Along with Sirrell, flyhalf James Faccinto, prop Andrew Bailey, back Tanner Heaphy and back Stanton Sharpe all scored tries. Penney's two conversions and penalty were augmented by Heaphy's single conversion.

Cal Poly had to be content with a Matt Verga penalty goal for most of the game, until flanker Matt Ryan and then Verga scored in the final tean minutes.

UCLA improved to 3-1, while Cal Poly drops to 1-2. Cal Poly ends their regular season next week against 1-2 Central Washington. St. Mary's, which has already clinched 1st, plays UC Davis.

"We're very excited to be in the playoffs," said Stewart, whose team will likely travel to BYU for the quarterfinals. "We know we have a huge task ahead of us, and we have a lot of work to do before then. We're pleased with the season - we got some good wins against some good teams in Central Washington, Davis and Poly. But we have a big challenge coming up."

UCLA 39
Tries: Sirrell 2, Faccinto, Bailey, Heaphy, Sharpe
Convs: Penney 2, Heaphy
Pens: Penney

Cal Poly 13
Tries: Verga, Ryan
Pens: Verga