Rifle: No. 2 WVU Welcomes Akron
January 30, 2009 02:46 PM | General
January 30, 2009
WVU Rifle Notes and Season Averages
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| Tommy Santelli |
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The No. 2 West Virginia University rifle team closes out its regular season on Saturday, Jan. 31, as it welcomes Akron to the WVU Rifle Range for an 8 a.m. match.
The Mountaineers (9-1 overall, 5-1 GARC) return to the range following a resounding 4653-4634 victory over visiting No. 3 Alaska-Fairbanks on Jan. 25. The win was WVU’s first over the Nanooks since 1991 and only UAF’s fourth defeat in the last 10 years.
“I think we’re in a good mindset,” says Coach Jon Hammond. “The team’s confidence is high right now. We’ve just got to keep the pressure on and shoot as good as we can. We need to use this match to keep improving on the little things.”
Sophomore Tommy Santelli had an exceptional day against the Nanooks, leading the Mountaineers in their come-from-behind win with a personal best 595 in the air rifle competition. Santelli finished with 1170 combined points.
Freshman Justin Pentz paced WVU in smallbore with a match-best 580.
Following this weekend’s match, the Mountaineers will enjoy a two-week break before welcoming NC State for a NCAA qualifying match on Feb. 14.
“A two week break work both ways,” Hammond says. “This week is our third-straight week competing. It will be good to get another break. The down time is important so the team can catch up on its school work. Even still, we will continue to train hard.”
The Mountaineers and the Wolpack will meet at 8 a.m. on Feb. 14 at the WVU Rifle Range. The match will help determine which teams qualify for the NCAA Championships, held March 14-15, in Ft. Worth, Texas, at TCU.
