Oct. 29, 2005

BOSTON, Mass. -- The Navy rifle team opened its 2005-06 season in strong fashion claiming two wins over MIT and Wentworth College, compiling a total of 4628 to MIT's 4341 and Wentworth's 4180. The Mids shot a 2316 in air rifle and 2302 in smallbore to cruise to the easy victory. Navy improves to 2-0 on the young season and has now won 16 consecutive dual meets.

"I thought our team's inexperience really showed today," said Navy head coach Bill Kelley. "Our shooters that competed in the NCAA Tournament last year shot well, but our newcomers struggled. We know we can shoot better. No one is getting on the bus coming home satisfied with what we did today."

Navy's 2316 score in air rifle came from freshman Lisa Kunzelman (Constantia, N.Y.), who led Navy with a 588. Josh Albright (Shelton, Conn.) fired a 584, Chris Schneider (Fort Mill, S.C.) shot a 579 and Monica Amagna (Tulsa, Okla.) followed with a 565.

"I was very impressed with Kunzelman's performance," said Kelley. "Here is a plebe in her first career match and she leads us in the air rifle. I thought she shot very well."

In smallbore, Schneider and Albright both shot a 585, Amagna followed with a 569 and Billy Carson (McDonough, Ga.) added a 563.

"We know we have to shoot better next week at the President's Trophy," said Kelley. "We know we have work to do, but we will get back to the range and improve. We'll have to step it up a couple of notches next week, but I am confident we can do that."

Navy will compete in the President's Trophy next Saturday in Colorado Springs, Colo. Teams scheduled to compete are Navy, Army, Air Force and the Coast Guard.

# GO NAVY #