Oct. 19, 2012
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of Kentucky rifle team defeated No. 10 Murray State 4676 – 4605 in its first home match of the season. The Wildcats opened the morning with a lead, posting a 2324 in smallbore compared to Murray’s 2287. Kentucky added to its lead throughout the afternoon, outshooting Murray 2352 – 2328 in air rifle.
“I think overall it went OK,” UK head coach Harry Mullins said. “I feel that we are getting better with each day. The team has been working hard and the results are starting to show a little. Even though some of our individual numbers were off from the last match, our team numbers are rising.”
Senior Henri Junghänel led the No. 3 Wildcats in both smallbore and air rifle. Junghänel shot a 587 in smallbore to start the morning before posting a 590 in air rifle later in the day. Junior Emily Holsopple finished the morning with a 584 in smallbore and a 589 in air rifle.
“It is a long season,” Mullins said. “We always want the big numbers as soon as we can but I feel we are on the right track to reach those in the near future. I’m proud of the work that our team put in today.”
Senior Stacy Wheatley delivered one of the best air rifle performances of the day, shooting a 589 Friday afternoon. Freshman Connor Davis posted an aggregate score of 1169 in the second event of his collegiate career. Heather Greathouse’s 581 in air rifle went down as the third highest on the day.
“I feel that if we get a good night’s sleep tonight and relax tomorrow, we can come back in on Sunday and improve where we left off today,” Mullins said. “I’m expecting a challenge from Army Sunday and know that we have to be prepared going in.”
Army and Murray State will square off Saturday morning in Lexington; before Kentucky returns to action against Army Sunday morning at 7:30 a.m. Army enters the weekend 1-1, coming off a 4658 – 4631 win over Memphis this past weekend. The Black Knights fell in their first contest of the season, 4709 – 4631 to No. 1 West Virginia.
For live scoring of Kentucky’s match on Sunday, go to interactive.ukathletics.com/rifle.
