Rifle Takes on GARC Foe Memphis
November 07, 2014 11:12 AM | General
.JPG) |
| Garrett Spurgeon |
The No. 1 West Virginia University rifle team takes on Great American Rifle Conference (GARC) foe No. 9 Memphis, Saturday, Nov. 8, at the WVU Rifle Range.
WVU (3-0, 1-0 GARC) looks for its second GARC victory and to continue its win streak at home.
“The team's progress has been good,” said coach Jon Hammond. “We have a deep team, so we have the luxury of switching up the counters and maintaining a high standard. They're all working on things and looking to improve.”
The Mountaineers outshot the Tigers (6-4, 0-2 GARC) in their last meeting on Jan. 25, 4690-4655. They earned victories in both guns, defeating Memphis 2321-2317 in smallbore and 2369-2338 in air rifle.
In its last weekend of competition, WVU defeated GARC foe No. 9 Akron (4695-4611), as well as No. 10 Ohio State (4695-4652). The Mountaineers shot a season-high 2374 air rifle against the Zips.
Junior Garrett Spurgeon continues to be the most consistent smallbore shooter for the team, averaging 584 this season, while senior Ziva Dvorsak leads the team in air rifle with a 596 average. Dvorsak tied her career-high 598 score in her most recent match against Akron.
“I'm confident that every time we shoot a match, we will shoot high numbers,” Hammond said. “This semester, we're just working on experience, improving and getting that good foundation and base for next semester.”
WVU owns an 8-2 all-time series record over Memphis, and is 1-0 at home this season.
The Tigers most recently fell to GARC foe Nebraska, 4667-4625, on Nov. 1.
Of note, WVU rifle graduate assistant Dan Hermsmeier graduated from Memphis and competed with the Tigers last season.
“I think for Dan the match will be special,” explained Hammond. “For their coach and some of the team members, I think seeing Dan here as a Mountaineer will create a slightly different match for them.”
Saturday’s match is set to start at 8 a.m. and will go into the afternoon. Fans are encouraged to sit inside the range to watch the air rifle match, set to start at 10:15 am.
“When we were recognized at the football game and also when we went to Tent City, which was awesome, fans asked where they could watch a match,” said Hammond. “We want to provide an opportunity for all interested fans to come and enjoy the sport.”
Gold-Blue Spring Festival Fan Recap
Sunday, April 19
John Neider | April 18
Saturday, April 18
Coach Zac Alley | April 18
Saturday, April 18
Coach Rich Rodriguez | April 18
Saturday, April 18
