Rifle Performs Well at Ole Miss

Friday, October 5

Oxford, Miss.

8:00 a.m.

Murray State

4621

Mississippi

Photo by: Murray State Sports Information

10/7/2012 5:22:00 PM | Rifle

Results (.pdf)

The Murray State rifle team competed over the weekend at the Ole Miss Invitational in Oxford, Miss., and compiled an aggregate team score of 4621.

In smallbore, the Racers shot a total score of 2278 in the match and were led by Bill Harvey's 578, which was a season-best. Kelsey Emme also had a solid score in smallbore, and scored a 576 also a season-high. Freshman Tessa Howald recorded a career-high 575 in the discipline.

"The Ole Miss match is a great match. It attracts the best teams in the country and I feel that along with Murray State's Withrow Open, they are the two premier matches in NCAA Rifle," said Head Coach Alan Lollar. "I was happy with the effort we got. We needed this week to sort some things out and I feel good about where we are as a team right now."

In air rifle, the Racers compiled an aggregate team score of 2348. MSU was led by fine performances by Howald (589) and Emme (588). Harvey continued his strong showing in air rifle, shooting a score of 584. Howald's score was also a career-high.

"I feel like it went well. I worked hard all week in practice and it paid off. It felt good to perform at that level and help my team,” said Harvey.

Caroline Barber and Kaitlyn Wilson rounded out the scores in air rifle for the Racers with scores of 582 and 565, respectively. “We are starting to see flashes of what this team can do,” said Lollar. Tessa and Kelsey are two of the hardest working and smartest air rifle shooters I've ever been around. They understand how to plan and manage a match. I was happy with our team air rifle today. Consistency will be big for us all year."

"I was a little nervous going into the match,” commented Howald. “When I started shooting the nerves went away. In air rifle, I stuck to the match plan that coach and I worked on in practice and it helped me to stay focused and work hard. Over all I think I did okay, but I've got a lot of work to do."

In all, four Racers recorded personal bests at the match, including a 577 in air rifle from Wilson, a 583 in air rifle from Michael Burzynski and a 555 in small bore from Kirsten Moyer. "One of our goals this season is to continually build momentum through the end of the year and shooting personal bests is a good way to start," said Lollar.

"Kirsten is working hard to become a consistent shooter and you know the work she's putting in is paying off. Mike is showing some good things and Kaitlyn (Wilson) had a stretch during the match in air rifle that was very good."

The Racers will return to action on Oct. 19 and 20 for a pair of matches against Kentucky and Army, respectively in Lexington, Ken.

The Racers will be a part of the Homecoming festivities next weekend as well as they will be hosting an open house on Saturday morning at 11:00 a.m. at Spurgin Rifle Range where they will put on an air rifle demonstration. “It's a chance for our fans to come out and meet the Racers. We hope to see them there," said coach Lollar.