MOREHEAD, Ky. – A lengthy 32-day break for the University of Tennessee at Martin rifle team wrapped up today as the Skyhawks compiled 4,616 points in the first match of a weekend pair against Morehead State.
UT Martin collected its best air rifle score of the early 2023-24 season today, managing 2,331 points to go along with 2,285 smallbore points. The Skyhawks’ aggregate score was just four points shy of a new season-best tally as the host Eagles managed 4,678 points (2,361 air rifle, 2,317 smallbore).
Alayna Walther keyed UT Martin in all three scoring possibilities today. The Avella, Pa. native equaled a career-high with 583 smallbore points while posting a season-best 589 score in air rifle. Her aggregate score of 1,172 points was also the most so far during her junior season.
The Skyhawks’ air rifle lineup consisted of Walther (589), Nick Fares (587), Joey Kovach (579), Jeffrey Bourassa (576) and Aubrey Summers (572). Jesse Chamberlain also took part as an individual, earning 559 points.
In smallbore, Kovach (578), Fares (571), Chamberlain (553) and Bourassa (540) joined Walther in the scoring lineup. Summers additionally competed as an individual, posting a score of 547.
Fares put together an aggregate score of 1,158 points while Kovach’s 1,157 total points were a season-high. Summers came away with 1,119 combined points and was followed closely behind by Bourassa (1,116) and Chamberlain (1,112).
UT Martin will once again compete against Morehead State tomorrow as the two sides will begin their match at 8 a.m.
