Jan. 19, 2007

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- The Navy rifle team shot a season-high score, but it wasn't enough to overcome a strong performance by the nation's top team, Alaska-Fairbanks, as the Nanooks defeated the Mids by 12 points, 4,660 to 4,648. The loss drops Navy's record to 5-3 overall.

"We never like losing. I don't care who we are shooting against. There are no moral victories," said Navy head coach Bill Kelley. "However, our performance today was very good and we are moving in the right direction. We really came together today and put together a strong, team-oriented performance. Everyone shot well and we are moving in the right direction. We're not discouraged with our showing, but when you lose, it leaves a sour taste in your mouth."

The Mids fell behind by 24 points following the smallbore portion, 2,321 to 2,297. Josh Albright led the Mids with a 580, followed by Chris Schneider with a 576, Sarah Bergman with a 573 and Alex Karacsonyi with a 568.

Navy rallied, however, in the air rifle, outscoring the Nanooks, 2,351 to 2,339, but falling short in the team score. Albright and Lisa Kunzelman led the Mids with a pair of 590s, Bergman tallied a 589 and Karacsonyi shot a 582.

"Our air rifle was very strong today and are really looking forward to next weekend already," said Kelley.

The Mids will compete on Friday and Saturday against the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia. Kelley knows that time is running out for his squad to post NCAA Tournament-worthy scores.

"We have to keep improving to qualify. We took a big step today, but we need to shoot well next weekend to keep the momentum going," said Kelley. "The team knows that and we expect to perform well next weekend."

# GO NAVY #