UTEP women’s rifle team went head-to-head in a two relay rematch this weekend against Nevada, where the squad added another loss to their record, losing to Nevada 4,644-4,617. Despite the loss, the Miners showed improvements in Air Rifle shooting from last week’s loss to Nevada.
The Miner that took the spotlight was Rachel Schoenrock, who tied for number one with Nevada shooter Mitchell Van Patten with 580 out of 600 for the small bore individual standings. Schoenrock outscored Van Patten of Nevada just by one point, 1,169-1,168 to win individual standings. She was also the second highest scorer in the individual Air Rifle standings (589) following Emily Capaul of Nevada, who scored 591 out of 600.
After scoring a prefect target on her last shot of the standings, Schoenrock looked at her score (10.6), and gave her coach and teammates the biggest smile of accomplishment and came off the line to be greeted by teammate Mara Rouse with a hug to match.
“I think we accomplished our goal for this weekend,” said head coach Hannah Muegge. “You know you’ve had a good matchup when they come off the line happy or positive.”
With major improvements in the second matchup of the season. With the team having a better Air Rifle average in the competition, with a score of 2,348 compared to last week’s match up with only 2,304. As well as individual improvements for Haylee Schoenrock with shooting a 185 out of 200, her best in individual small bore standing for the season thus far.
With only eight athletes on the team and only two being upper classmen, Muegge looks to gain more experience this season as well as more self-confidence for each of her players. To be a part of the rifle team one has to be mentally prepared for each shot taken in the field.
“It’s hard to watch them take their shots.” Muegge said. “Sometimes a good shot may not be taken and timing is key in this type of competition.”
Progression and positivity is what coach Muegge hopes to get from the girls this season with a young team. The progress the girls make in each match with their individual shooting is more important than an actual win. Even the competition is a group effort, it is still up to the individual to make the best shot they can make in the competition.
“I was a shooter, I can advise the girls what to expect but talks in practice may not click right away, until the situation may arise in a competition.” Muegge said. “And that is when they will know how to handle it for next time.”
The Miners will host a special 10.9 event on Oct 10 to give the community awareness about collegiate rifle shooting and allow participants to try and shoot a rifle themselves. Their next match on Oct. 22 versus Air Force and Nevada in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
