NU Improves to 5-2 with Defeat of Air Force

Colorado Springs, Colo. - The Nebraska women's rifle team defeated Air Force on Sunday for the third time in three tries this season, 6,206-6,068. Senior co-captain Melissa Downsbrough was the top individual finisher, earning top honors in air rifle with a score of 391 and fired a 1,173 in smallbore to finish third.

The Huskers dominated the smallbore competition, claiming seven of the top eight finishers en route to defeating the Falcons 4,672-4,581. Freshmen Stacy Underwood (1,169) and Sarah Quinn (1,149), along with junior Laura Johnson (1,166) recorded personal bests in the event. Downsbrough also fired a season-high total of 1,173.

In air rifle, NU topped Air Force by a score of 1,543-1,487. Nebraska claimed the top four spots in the event, led by Downsbrough’s first-place finish. Sophomore Misty Chanek tied for second with 385 points along with freshman Kristina Fehlings. Quinn and Johnson tied for fourth with a score of 382.

NU Head Coach Launi Meili was encouraged by her team’s performance over the weekend, which saw the Huskers shoot the two highest team scores of the year.

"I’m happy with many of the performances over the weekend," Meili said. "After coming back from a break, I think we have started on the right foot in getting prepared for qualifiers in five weeks."

Nebraska returns to action Jan. 24, and Jan. 25, against Army and Navy, respectively, in Palmyra, Pa. Both matches will start at 8 a.m. (CST).