Oct. 9, 2010

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- The Navy rifle team pieced together another strong early-season performance, outshooting the University of the Sciences, 4621-4251. The victory came in Navy's first dual meet of the year, giving Navy a 1-0 record.

"I was really pleased with several individual performances, but overall we were a bit off in smallbore and air rifle was about the same as last week," said Navy head coach Bill Kelley. "We have some points we are not putting up and the potential is there for significantly better performances."

Chris Burleson (Sr. / McDonough, Ga.) had an excellent day at the range for the Mids, gaining medalist honors in both disciplines. He totaled a 588 in both guns to win medalist honors by 17 points in smallbore and seven points in air rifle.

"Burleson's performance in smallbore is outstanding and probably among the top 10 scores in collegiate history," said Kelley. "Combined with his 588 in air rifle, that is a great aggregate score. It was a good performance."

The Midshipmen totaled a 2294 in smallbore and after Burleson's 588, Ryan Williams (So. / McDonald, Ohio) and Alison Lankes (Sr. / Clarence, N.Y.) recorded 571s, while Steven Frazier (Fr. / McDonough, Ga.) totaled a 564. Kelley also got a strong performance from Karina Schmidt (Fr. / Louisville, Ky.) with a 578, although she was not one of the five chosen on the scoring team.

In addition to Burleson's 588 in air rifle, Williams totaled a 581, Schmidt recorded a 580 and Lankes shot a 578. As a team, Navy shot 2327 in air rifle.

"Karina Schmidt really showed up well today, especially in smallbore," said Kelley. "She is a plebe just learning the sport. We are looking foward to see how she produces the rest of the year."

The Midshipmen will be back in action in two weeks, traveling to Boston to face MIT and Wentworth on Oct. 23, beginning at 9:00 am.

# GO NAVY #