Nov. 18, 2005

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- The Navy rifle team closed out the first half of its 2005-06 schedule with its best performance of the year to date, defeating West Virginia, 4643-4562. Navy will now take close to a two-month hiatus with a 3-0 record after claiming its 18th straight dual-meet victory.

"We made progress today and that was encouraging," said Navy head coach Bill Kelley. "We still had some bumps in the road, but we are getting better. We will work hard over the break and be a stronger team when we come back."

Navy took a 30-point lead after the smallbore portion of the meet, outscoring the Mountaineers, 2314-2284. Chris Schneider and Josh Albright led Navy with a 582, while Nicholas Hogberg shot a 573 and Lisa Kunzelman recorded a 573.

The Mids then pulled away in the air rifle, outshooting West Virginia, 2329-2278, for the 81-point win. Schneider was Navy's top marksman with a 586, while Kunzelman added a 584. Ryan Miller scored a 581 and Albright rounded out the scoring with a 578.

"Overall it was a decent match for us," added Kelley. "We weren't overwhelmed today where I think we were in the first couple of matches of the season. It was a really good way to end the first half of the season."

Kelley also got excellent performances from his non-scoring squad, indicating that Navy's depth is improving.

"Christina Schade really shot well today on our non-scoring team. She may have been our top performer and has really improved over the course of the year," said Kelley.

Navy will take the next two months off, before resuming action in mid-January.