March 10, 2012

COLUMBUS, Ohio. – Participating in her first NCAA Rifle Championships Saturday, sophomore Abbey Stanec made history for the Ole Miss rifle program.

Competing in individual air rifle, Stanec finished runner-up with a total score of 693.5 to complete a successful sophomore season. She entered the NCAA air rifle finals in third place after producing a pre-finals score of 592.

“I couldn’t be more proud of Abbey,” Rebel head coach Valerie Boothe said. “She did exactly what she set out to do. I’m so happy for her.”

West Virginia’s Petra Zublasing captured the NCAA individual air title with a total score of 696.2.

In her final collegiate match, senior Keely Stankey fired a 576 in air. Saturday marked Stankey’s second appearance at the NCAA Championships. Participating at the Championships as a sophomore in 2010, the Minneapolis native finished seventh overall in air.

Boothe commented on what her lone senior has meant to the Rebel rifle program.

“I know Keely wanted to finish higher,” Boothe said. “It was bittersweet watching her last match. It has been a privilege and honor to coach her for the last four years. I’m so proud of the career she has had and the dedication she brought to Ole Miss.”

Stanec’s performance should definitely provide her a confidence boost heading into next season.

“I think (Abbey’s) always wanted to be in that (top) league, but now she belongs there,” Boothe said.