Oct. 17, 2009

FORT WORTH, Texas — For the first time in 359 days, the Kentucky rifle team suffered a regular-season loss, falling to Texas Christian University Saturday, 4657-4642, on the campus of TCU.

Kentucky (2-1, 2-0 Great American Rifle Conference) suffered its first loss since an Oct. 28, 2008 setback at Alaska-Fairbanks. The Wildcats opened up the 2009-10 season with a pair of season lid-lifting victories, over N.C. State and Memphis at UK’s Barker Hall.

“TCU really had a good performance,” UK head coach Harry Mullins said. “They really had a heck of a run in standing and we just couldn’t find the middle of the target. When your key shooters can’t find the middle, it is easy to struggle and everyone struggled a little bit.”

UK was led by senior Jen Pason, who totaled a 579 in smallbore and a 586 in air rifle. Ashley Jackson finished with a 578 in smallbore and a 590 in air rifle. UK freshman Katie Fretts, competing on the first team for the first time in her career, totaled a 585 in air rifle and a 573 in smallbore.

“Jen was like a workhorse out there today, she is really going to sleep well tonight and on the plane,” Mullins said. “She grinded it out in air gun and just ran out of steam. It is really going to do good things for her confidence. I am also really proud of (Katie Fretts) Frettsy, she did everything she needed to do to create an opportunity for the team.”

UK will return to action Saturday, traveling to face state rival Murray State.

“There are some positives to take from the match. First, we remembered what it feels like to lose and we just don’t like that,” Mullins said. “And we are going to be able to get back out there Saturday and face Murray State. The good news is that we have a long time in the season to really improve and with the work ethic and dedication of this team, we have the ability to really have a great year.”