Feb. 3, 2004

RALEIGH, N.C. - In spite of shooting in very cold circumstances, NC State's rifle team set another team record at the Triangle Shoot Out. Freshmen Kirk Freeman, Matthew Gifford and Jennifer Marshall, along with junior Ryan Dorety, shot a school record of 1,514 to defeat the North Carolina Tar Heels (890) for the second time this season. The previous school record of 1,512 was also set against UNC last November.

"We seem to shoot well against UNC" noted coach Keith Miller. "Each of our last matches against them saw us set new records. I think we should start shooting against them every other week or so."

Coach Miller was also quick to point out that the newly formed Tar Heel squad is just getting started.

"UNC is still working to solidify their team. This is only the second competition for them this year, so they are experiencing ups and downs as a part of their learning curve. Their best shooter last time (Josh Boudreau 214) was down a little, but Deb McCown (214) showed a lot of improvement. Also, they were led in this match by newcomer Nicholas Stott (239), so that's a good sign. They will clearly improve as they move their program forward."

As a team, NC State continues to win with considerable effort from their underclassmen. This match was no exception to that trend.

"We've been led much of the year by three of our freshmen. Jennifer Marshall and Matthew Gifford of Cary, and Kirk Freeman of Hendersonville," Miller explained. "Many times they have finished in that order; Jennifer, Matthew and Kirk."

On this day, however, Kirk Freeman commanded the event. Freeman's score of 385 is not only a personal high for the freshman, but it also sets a new NC State record for air rifle. The old record of 383 was set by Coach Miller in 1984 and tied during this season by Jennifer Marshall.

In addition to Freeman's score, Matthew Gifford fired a 381 which ties his personal best, while Jennifer Marshall shot a 376 and Ryan Dorety committed a 372 score to help the Wolfpack to victory. Five other NC State shooters also competed, but did not have their scores factored into competition. Sophomore Christine Kimball tied her personal best of 374, while junior co-captain John Maroglio shot at 364. Laura Ferrell (366), Alexis Davis (349), and Tammy Montgomery (345) also saw action.

"Clearly, our top four did well and we're very proud of them, especially Kirk for setting the new individual record," said Coach Miller. "However, we are also pleased that sophomore Christine Kimball shot her second 374 in a row, which ties her personal best. She's really improved recently, and is a great indicator of how deep and strong our team is becoming."

Duke University was also scheduled to compete in The Triangle Shoot Out but were unable to make the event.

This past weekend's results push NC State's record to 32-2 overall and 20-2 in the SEARC. The Wolfpack rifle squad will continue action this Saturday in Raleigh as they play host to The Citadel and VMI. The competition, which will include both smallbore and air rifle targets, will begin at 8:00 am at the Wake County Range in Holly Springs.