Feb. 3, 2012

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Concluding a whirlwind two weeks for the University of Memphis rifle team, the Tigers wrapped up regular season competition by dropping a 4647-4628 decision to Ole Miss, on Wednesday.

Headlining Tiger rifle's performance at Ole Miss was junior Kelly Audet (563-smallbore, 592-air rifle) and sophomore Dan Hermsmeier (585-smallbore, 586-air rifle). The pair's efforts helped Memphis to a 2289-2282 victory in the smallbore discipline, but the Rebels made up ground in air rifle, winning the discipline, 2365-2339, and the match.

Senior Kaitlynn Lee also turned in strong performances at Ole Miss, shooting 571 in smallbore and 580 in air rifle.

Prior to traveling to Oxford, Miss., the Tigers competed at the Withrow Invitational in Murray, Ky., finishing sixth overall with a team score of 4596 (2269-smallbore, 2327-air rifle).

Kicking off Memphis' road trip was UT Martin's Skyhawk Invitational on Jan. 25. At the annual event, the Tigers claimed team victories in both smallbore (2255) and air rifle (2345) en route to earning the team championship over UT Martin, Rose Hulman, UAB and UA-Fort Smith.

In the smallbore discipline, Memphis claimed second and third place with senior Jessica Phenis logging a score of 572 and sophomore Linn Larsen trailing closely behind at 571.

In the air rifle discipline, Memphis swept the top three positions with junior Kelly Audet leading the charge, pacing all competitors with a score of 590. Audet was closely trailed in air rifle by Kaitlynn Lee (588) and Linn Larsen (585), who claimed second and third place, respectively.

With the regular season concluded, Memphis will now use the next two weeks to prepare for postseason competition which is slated to begin Feb. 18 at the NCAA Qualifier in Murray, Ky.