Racer Rifle Defeats UT Martin In Season Opener

Saturday, September 24

Martin, Tenn.

8:00 a.m.

Murray State

4567

4541

UT Martin

Photo by: Murray State Sports Information

9/26/2011 10:55:00 AM | Rifle

Results

The Murray State rifle team opened the 2011-12 season Saturday with a 26-point win at home on the Pat Spurgin Range in Roy Stewart Stadium in Murray, Ky.

The Racers won the smallbore portion of the shoulder-to-shoulder match winning 2256-2241 and then took the air rifle portion 2311-2300. MSU's win came by a final aggregate score of 4567-4541.

"We used our opening match a little different this year and I think we got what we were looking for,” MSU Head Coach Alan Lollar said. “We used Saturday to give some front line match experience to some of our younger shooters. I was very pleased with the way we competed."

The Racers were led in smallbore by Bill Harvey who carded a 570. The Pittsburgh, Pa., sophomore also scored a personal record with a 575 air rifle score.

"Bill knew he was being counted on, and he came through," Lollar said.

"For my first start, it went pretty well," Harvey said. "I feel there's always room for improvement though. I was able to execute and do what I wanted to do."

On the air rifle side, the Racers were led by freshman Kelsey Emme as the Piedmont, S.D. native posted a 562 in smallbore and followed with a 581 in air rifle. Kyle Donnan added a 580, while the Racers got a pair of 575's from Caroline Barber and Bill Harvey, with Marisca Mozeleski carding a 560. Caroline Barber and Kaitlin Cleven each recorded a 562 in smallbore, with Mozeleski adding a 557.

"It's a lot different when you know that you are the one being counted on. It can become a distraction if you let it,” Lollar added. “I think our team did a very good job of staying within themselves.”

The Racers' next challenge is a trip to Oxford, Miss., this weekend to compete in the Ole Miss Invitational.

"The Invitational at Ole Miss is always a tough match,” Lollar said. “It attracts some of the best teams in the country and the host Rebels are a very good team."