March 4, 2006

NEW HAVEN, Conn. -- The sixth-ranked Navy rifle team scored a 4636 - 4545 victory over Akron on Saturday in the 2006 MAC Championships held at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. With the win, Navy finishes its dual-meet record at 9-2 heading into next weekend's NCAA Championships.

"We were mediocre today, but I think we were looking forward to next weekend somewhat," said Navy head coach Bill Kelley. "We weren't holding anything best, and we have more work to do next week. But we were happy to get the win and are looking forward to the NCAA's. That can now be our sole focus."

Navy outscored Akron, 2305 - 2277, in smallbore. Chris Schneider led Navy in smallbore with a 579, while Josh Albright scored a 576 and Lisa Kunzelman and Christina Schade added a pair of 575's.

In air rifle, Kunzelman paced Navy with a 590, while Sarah Bergman tallied a 582, Albright a 577 and Schneider rounded out the Navy scoring with a 572.

Kunzelman and Schneider were likely the top scores in the air rifle and smallbore, respectively.

"I was really pleased with Kunzelman's score today," said Kelley. It was very strong for a plebe. Schade and Kunzelman did a good job today and hopefully its a good sign for the next week."

Navy will compete at the NCAA Championships next weekend at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo.

# GO NAVY #