Rifle Begins Double Dual Weekend at #7 Army

Friday, January 17

West Point, N.Y.

TBA

Murray State

4652

4668

Army

Bill Harvey shot season-best marks in the smallbore and air rifle against Army

1/17/2014 9:20:00 PM | Rifle

Results

Competing in their first of two matches this weekend in West Point, N.Y., Murray State's rifle team lost a tough battle against host Army, 4668-4652.

The Racers got the better of the Black Knights in the air rifle portion of the match, 2352-2344, but Army's 24-point advantage in the smallbore (2324-2300) proved to be the difference.

Their score of 4652 was the second-most the Racers have scored this season, just six behind their mark of 4658 in their tri-match against Jacksonville State and TCU Oct. 26. Head coach Alan Lollar came away impressed with his team saying, "This was a really nice team effort. Now we have to get some rest and get ready for an early match tomorrow against the Wildcats."

Murray State took spots two though five in the air rifle, with Katarina Bisercic leading the way. Her score of 592 was three points behind winner Richard Calvin. Bisercic also had the third highest mark for the Racers in the smallbore shooting a 573 to finish seventh overall. "Katy was solid as always in air and continues to impress," said Lollar.

Behind Bisercic in the air rifle were Kelsey Emme (588/third) and Michael Burzynski (587/fourth). The 587 mark for Burzynski is his highest this season. Coach Lollar said, "Mikey had a really nice air day and contributed to the team effort like we knew he could." Burzynski also placed in the top-10 in the smallbore with a score of 569, good for eighth.

Tessa Howald and Bill Harvey put together a pair of fine matches, each finishing in the top-10 in both disciplines. Howald (579) and Harvey (579) placed fourth and fifth respectively in the smallbore, each shooting season-high marks. Harvey earned another season-best with a 579 air rifle to finish in 10^th place while Howald shot a 585 to place seventh. Talking about Harvey's successful day, Lollar said, "Bill had as good of a sling day as I have ever seen."

Murray State concludes their northeast trip against instate rival Kentucky tomorrow, Jan. 18. The Wildcats are currently the #1 ranked team in the CRCA (Collegiate Rifle Coaches Association). Coach Lollar knows they'll present a challenge, saying, "The Cats are cranking it out this year, but we always enjoy the challenge."