Feb. 13, 2010

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- Chris Burleson garnered medalist honors in both guns to lead the Navy rifle team over John Jay, 4619 - 4286, in the NCAA Qualifier on Saturday morning at the Bancroft Hall Rifle Range. The win improves Navy's record to 7-1 on the season, with just one more event before the NCAA Championship.

"We had a decent performance today, and it was significantly better than Monday's score against Army," said Navy head coach Bill Kelley. "It should hopefully be good enough with our other scores from the season to get into the NCAA Championships."

Part. Good from Burleson. Very strong scores. Pleased with Williams in air, held it together in smallbore. Getting back on track - where he was. Wait to see how things shake out and how weekend results shake out. Pleased with what we did today.

The Mids totaled a 2283 in smallbore and 2336 in air rifle.

Chris Burleson had a strong day for the Midshipmen, garnering medalist honors in both disciplines. In the smallbore, Burleson fired a 580. He was followed by freshman Ryan Williams at 573, Kenan Wang at 567 and Liz Leckie with a 563.

Burleson then fired a 590 in air rifle to again pace the Midshipmen. Williams totaled a 588. Navy's scoring was rounded out by Alison Lankes' 582 and Wang's 576.

"I was pleased with Chris Burleson's performance in both guns. He had a really good day with strong scores," said Kelley. "I was also pleased with Ryan Williams in the air gun, and he held it together pretty well in smallbore. He is getting back on track from where he was shooting earlier in the year."

Navy will compete next on March 6, when it travels to New London, Conn., for the Mid-American Rifle Conference championships. The NCAA Championships will be held the weekend of March 12-13.

"We will have to wait to see how things shake out this weekend to see if we qualify," said Kelley. "I think it should be good enough, but we will see. I am pleased with what we did today though."

# GO NAVY #