Nov. 6, 2009

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- The Navy rifle team resumes its season after a week off when it travels to West Point, N.Y., for this weekend's President's Trophy, featuring teams from all four service academies. After a three-year drought of finishing second, Navy enters the event as the defending champion.

The Mids enter the weekend tournament against Air Force, Coast Guard and Army with a 2-0 dual-meet record after their wins over MIT and Wentworth on Oct. 24, However, the Mids shot their lowest score of the season by 22 points and are hoping to bounce back on Saturday with a strong performance.

"We have had two pretty good weeks of practice, and I think we are going up there with a focused attitude. I have been pleased with our response from our last performance," said Navy head coach Bill Kelley. "It should be a very close match with both Army and Air Force. I think we will have some strong performances. We trained hard and I think we are well-prepared to face our rivals."

Leading Navy on the line is junior Chris Burleson. The McDonough, Ga., native owns a 585.0 air rifle average and a 576.3 smallbore average to pace the squad in both guns. Liz Leckie is the only other Mid above 570 in smallbore at 570.3. Three other shooters are above 580 in air rifle as Alison Lankes averages 583.0, Ryan Williams is at 582.7 and Kenan Wang chips in at 581.3.

"We just need to get on the line and get better and see how it goes," added Kelley. " I am excited about the weekend."

The Mids will close out their fall schedule in two weeks with a home match against John Jay on Sunday, Nov. 22, beginning at 9:00 am.

# GO NAVY #