LINCOLN, Neb. -- No. 8 Nebraska completed a weekend sweep of two matches against Air Force with a 4,679-4,671 win against the Falcons on Sunday at the NU Rifle Range.
The Huskers opened the weekend with a 4,685-4,629 victory against Air Force on Saturday.
On Sunday, Nebraska won the air rifle match 2,359-2,339, but the Falcons won the smallbore title by a 2,332-2,320 margin. The Huskers claimed Sunday's dual win despite a school-record combined score by Air Force.
“I am most proud of the team’s ability to post two high performances back-to-back,” Coach Underwood said. “Many teams can post a good score throughout the season, but the difference between a good team and a great team is being consistently able to preform at that level.”
Denise Martin fired a 585 in smallbore for the Huskers, who finished with a final smallbore score of 2,320. The Huskers trailed Air Force by 12 points after smallbore and would have to gain some ground in air rifle to come out on top. Nebraska did just that. Kelsey Hansen and Rachel Martin both shot a 591 in air rifle to help the team get a win. The team’s final air rifle score was 2,359.
Air Force was in the lead after smallbore, with help from Ryan Jacobs who posted a score of 585. The Falcons were not able to keep up with the Huskers in air rifle though, despite good effort from Kevyn Stinett, who scored a 588. Air Force ended with a total smallbore score of 2,332 and a final air rifle score of 2,339.
The Huskers will have a short week of practice as they prepare to travel this week. This weekend, the team will face Murray State and Kentucky, two top ten teams.
“Our training program is kicking into gear and we are exactly where we want to be at this point in the season,” Underwood. “Now is the time where managing the mental fatigue is just as important as our skills work.”
