NU rifle team emphasizes goal-setting for Kentucky meet

Two weekends ago, Sunny Russell was two points away from her goal.

The sophomore shot a 588 in air rifle against Murray State Jan. 16. The NU women's rifle team returns to Murray, Ky., on Saturday for the Roger Withrow Invitational. But this time Russell hopes to come away with a 590. Coach Morgan Hicks said the 590 may happen this weekend.

"It's definitely a possibility," said Hicks.  It's all about meeting goals for the Nebraska women this weekend.

Senior Katelyn Woltersdorf has had a frustrating season trying to meet her goals.

"I was having to change my goals almost on a weekly basis," said Woltersdorf.

Woltersdorf has been trying to better her smallbore score by a few points.

"The less points you have to gain, the harder it is," said Woltersdorf.

Right now, Woltersdorf has a high of 585 in smallbore. That was in October.

Woltersdorf came to NU last year from Clark College, a junior college in Vancouver, Wash. She shot for her club team, Vancouver Rifle and Pistol. Hicks knew Woltersdorf previously and played a part in recruiting her for the team. This season being only her second at NU, Woltersdorf said she's had no trouble adjusting to shooting for NU.

"I've always felt comfortable," she said.

The invitational this weekend will be the third time the women have competed this year. NU was in Murray, Ky., for two matches two weekends ago.

The Huskers' last match before that was at home against Ohio State Nov. 19.

Hicks said the women know coming back from the break it's time to keep training and stay on top of things. It's the last part of the season, the last push before the NCAA Qualifiers, the Great American Rifle Conference Championships, and the NCAA Championships.

"The girls knew what was expected," Hicks said. "It's do or die time."

Currently the Huskers rank 12th in the NCAA. Hicks said being ranked higher would put NU in good position for the NCAA Qualifiers Feb. 18. For that to happen, the Huskers need to better their team average. Every little point counts, so it's all the more important for Woltersdorf and Russell meet their set goals. But it's not just up to them, Woltersdorf said.

"(The match is a success) ultimately by score," she said, "but as a whole, as a team, we look for consistency."

Hicks agrees.

"That's the goal this weekend, is to improve our team average."

sarahinds@dailynebraskan.com