March 12, 2011

COLUMBUS, Ga. -- The Navy rifle team totaled a 2325 in Saturday's air rifle discipline at the NCAA Championship to finish the weekend in seventh place overall with a total score of 4609. Kentucky won the national title with an overall score of 4700.

Navy placed seventh in smallbore action on Friday (2284), seventh in air rifle (2325) and seventh overall (4609). The Mids were competing in their 26th NCAA Championship all-time and in their 20th consecutive NCAA Championship.

Kentucky (4700), West Virginia (4697), TCU (4654), Jacksonville State (4650), Murray State (4636), Alaska-Fairbanks (4634), Navy (4609) and Army (4596) completed the top eight spots. West Virginia won Saturday's air rifle discipline with a 2368.

Navy was led by junior Allison Paulson with a 585, placing 17th overall. Chris Burleson closed out his spectacular career with a 581. Kenan Wang totaled a 580 while Ryan Williams wrapped up Navy's scoring with a 579.

Navy is hopeful for All-American honors that will be announced tonight at the NRA Awards banquet. Burleson led the Mids in smallbore average, while Williams paced the Midshipmen in air rifle.

The Mids finished the year with a 9-1 dual-meet record and will return two shooters (Paulson, Williams) with experience at this year's NCAA Championship.

# GO NAVY #