Tigers Rifle To Shoot In Gamecock Invitational Sunday

Sunday, November 22

Jacksonville, Ala.

8 am CT

University of Memphis

Gamecock Invitational

Photo by: Joe Murphy

Tigers Rifle To Shoot In Gamecock Invitational Sunday

Nov 21, 2015 | Rifle

Memphis also to compete against N.C. State in a top-10 match-up.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The No. 7 nationally-ranked University of Memphis rifle team is scheduled for double-duty Sunday, Nov. 22 in Jacksonville, Ala. The Tigers shoot in the annual Gamecock Invitational and also meet No. 10 N.C. State in a Great American Rifle Conference (GARC) match.

After its strong performance in last Saturday's win over Navy, Memphis made a big jump in this week's Collegiate Rifle Coaches Association (CRCA) poll, moving up from No. 12 to No. 7. It was the Tigers' biggest move in the poll this season. The No. 7 ranking also is the team's second-highest of the season, as Memphis was No. 6 in the Oct. 13 poll.

Sunday's competitions are the final ones in the fall portion of the 2015-16 schedule. After Sunday, Memphis returns to action after the New Year in the Withrow Invitational Jan. 24. For the Tigers, Sunday's matches are opportunities to produce a strong carry-over into the second half of the season.

"We had a good result against Navy last Saturday, and we have a couple of matches this week to really build some momentum for the next half of the season," said head coach Butch Woolbright. "Our focus is to shoot our best at sectionals in February so we can qualify for the national championships. We're looking forward to the challenges Sunday."

Memphis became a tougher challenge for opponents last Saturday when sophomore Haylea Broughton produced her best scores of the season. Broughton posted the match's best aggregate score (1168) and was the lone Tiger to register top-four finishes in both disciplines (2^nd, air rifle; 4^th, smallbore).

In addition to Broughton, consistent shooting from senior Beth Lee has helped the Tigers. Lee has the squad's top aggregate score average at 1168.4 and has posted the team's top aggregate score in five of the seven matches.

At last year's Gamecock Invitational, Memphis placed second behind the host school. Lee led the Tigers with an 1174 aggregate score and placed third. She placed fourth in smallbore and second in air rifle. Broughton registered Memphis' second-highest aggregate score (1164) and was sixth at the event. She was sixth in smallbore and fifth in air rifle.

Last season, Memphis dropped a 4633-4611 decision to N.C. State. Broughton posted the team's top scores against the Wolfpack. She was second overall in aggregate score (1162), smallbore (574) and air rifle (588).