Jan. 25, 2009
MORGANTOWN, WV – The No. 3 Alaska Nanooks' rifle team saw a 13-match winning streak snapped as the No. 3 West Virginia Moutaineers rallied behind a strong air rifle relay to defeat them, 4653-4634, at the WVU Rifle Range.
For Alaska, it was just the fourth loss in the past decade, as they are 103-4 since the turn of the century in collegiate rifle matches. It also marked the Nanooks first loss to WVU since 1991, although the Blue and Gold still maintain a 6-3 series advantage.
The match showcased the talents of two of the most accomplished Division I teams, as Alaska (ten NCAA titles) and West Virginia (13) have combined for 23 NCAA titles since 1983.
Alaska came out strong in the smallbore, taking the event, 2308-2295. However, they wavered in the air rifle, as they were outshot 2358-2326 and saw WVU leapfrog them for the victory.
Junior Layne Lewis led the Nanooks in smallbore (580), while his classmate, Patrik Sartz, paced the visiting squad in air rifle (586).
WVU's Tommy Santelli won the air rifle competition with a 595, while Andy Lamson followed with 590.
The Blue and Gold return to action on Feb. 14-15, when they host Citadel at the E.F. Horton Rifle Range for a pair of NCAA qualifying matches.
