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The UTEP rifle team will share the range with fellow Patriot Rifle Conference member Ohio State in a pair of matches (Saturday and Sunday, 8:30 a.m. MT) at the UTEP Rifle Range this weekend.

This weekend’s action will be the first for the Miners in El Paso on the season. Admission is free.

“This week’s focus has been on perfecting what we did last week’s match,” UTEP head coach Austin Litherland said. “Small things like shot process, mental toughness, or even trigger control can make a world of difference on the line. I also know the team is excited to host Ohio State.”

The Miners shot their best season-opening aggregate (4589) in seven years at TCU on Sept. 23. UTEP posted 2271 in smallbore and 2318 in air rifle. Overall it marked the third-highest score in a campaign lidlifter by the by Miners since the current scoring system was put into place for the 2004-05 season.

UTEP produced an aggregate of 4600 against Columbus State and Nevada on Sept. 24, 2011, while previously tallying a readout of 4597 at Alaska-Fairbanks on Sept. 26, 2008.

Overall the Orange and Blue will have eight home matches in 2018-19, with Nevada (Oct. 20, Feb. 16), Alaska-Fairbanks (Nov. 15, Feb. 16), Air Force (Nov. 17), TCU (Jan. 26) also making the trip to the Sun City.

For individuals unable to make it out to the range, there will be live stats of all lanes shooting available online.

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FT. WORTH – The UTEP rifle team registered its best season-opening aggregate (4589) in seven years in a setback at TCU (4708) on Sunday. The Miners finished with 2271 in smallbore and 2318 in air rifle in head coach Austin Litherland’s debut with the Orange and Blue.

Overall it marks the third-highest score in a campaign lidlifter by the by Miners since the current scoring system came into place for the 2004-04 season. UTEP fired an aggregate of 4600 against Columbus State and Nevada on Sept. 24, 2011, while previously tallying a readout of 4597 at Alaska-Fairbanks on Sept. 26, 2008.

“Today’s score was definitely a team effort overall,” Litherland said. “They showed me tremendous progress. In this sport we ask for perfection, and we learned today what we need to adjust to advance towards that perfection.”

Sophomore Jessica Boyce enjoyed a career day across the board to lead the way for the Miners. She established personal highs in smallbore (573), air rifle (589) and aggregate (1162). Boyce’s aggregate marked the fifth-highest total by any shooter on the range Sunday.

Junior Mara Rouse followed with an aggregate of 1146, posting 567 in smallbore and 579 in air rifle. Freshman Morgahn Warner checked in with 566 in smallbore and 573 in air rifle to conclude with an aggregate of 1139. Sophomore Samantha Miller registered her second-highest aggregate (1138) of her career. She finished with a total of 565 in smallbore and 573 in air rifle. Freshman Josephine John fired a 551 in smallbore while posting a readout of 577 in air rifle.

The Miners will be back in action when they play host to Ohio State in their home opener at 8:30 a.m. MT Saturday. UTEP and the Buckeyes will also share the range starting at 8:30 a.m. MT Sunday, Sept. 30.

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The UTEP rifle team will begin its 2018-19 season when it competes at TCU Sunday. It is the first of 13 matches (including tri-angular meets) on the fall portion of the slate, while also marking the start of the Austin Litherland era.

The Miners feature a seven-member squad, with four returnees (Jessica Boyce-sophomore, Samantha Miller-sophomore, Maranda Nelson-senior and Mara Rouse-junior) and a trio of freshmen (Josephine John, Morgahn Warner and Jennie Windle).

“I’ve pushed these girls for the last three weeks,” Litherland said. “They have shown me how hard workers they are and how dedicated they are. I’ve seen improvements to their scores, and the team dynamic is really good. We’re excited to go shoot against TCU this weekend.”

Boyce shot both disciplines in all 12 matches for the Miners last year, ranking second on the team in average for air rifle (581) while sharing second in aggregate (1144). Miller posted averages of 553 in smallbore and 572 in air rifle for an aggregate average of 1125 as a freshman.

Nelson tied for third on the team in air rifle average (576) in 2017-18 while Rouse rated third on the unit in average for both smallbore (565) and aggregate (1149).

John placed eighth nationally at the 2017 Junior Olympics in Camp Perry, Ohio. Warner has competed regionally and nationally in USA shooting, NRA and CMP competitions and helped her squad take first place at the 2018 Washington State Outdoor Smallbore Championships. Windle began shooting competitively in high school, and helped her high school team qualify for Army Nationals in Anniston, Alabama, for three consecutive campaigns.

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The UTEP rifle team will host its final match of the season when it faces Nevada in its 2018 NCAA Qualifier match at the UTEP Rifle Range Saturday. The UTEP Rifle Range is located inside the Military Science Building. Admission is free.

The match begins with smallbore starting at 8:30 a.m. followed by air rifle at 11:15 a.m. Additionally as part of UTEP’s celebration of Nationals Girls and Women In Sports Day there will be the annual brunch with the UTEP rifle team at 11 a.m. on the range.

The NCAA Qualifier match is the final deciding factor for which eight teams will head to the 2018 NCAA Rifle Championships hosted by The Citadel in Charleston, S.C., from March 9-10. The youth-laden UTEP team is currently ranked 20th. For squads that do not receive a championship bit, it is an opportunity for student-athletes to qualify individually for the smallbore and air rifle events.

“The NCAA Qualifier is a tough match as most of our athletes have waited all season for this match in particular,” UTEP head coach Hannah Muegge said. “In order to get that individual nomination for championships, you have to be at the top of your game so this weekend’s test will be about overcoming that anticipation and self-imposed pressure.”

Highlighting the Miners will be sophomore Bailey Powell, who will compete after battling an illness during the 2018 Patriot Rifle Conference Championships. She paces the Miners in seasonal averages for smallbore (572), air rifle (588) and aggregate (1160). Powell has produced the top aggregate score in eight of her nine matches this year.

Freshman Jessica Boyce enters this weekend with momentum, having led the Orange and Blue in both air rifle (587) and aggregate (1153) at the league championships. The effort in air rifle established a career high while she was one point back of matching her personal-best aggregate.

Sophomore Abby Monique has averaged an aggregate of 1143 this season. She has shot team-highs in smallbore the past two matches and her smallbore average (567) trails only Powell.

Junior Maranda Nelson has set her career highs for smallbore (575), air rifle (588) and aggregate (1152) this season. Overall she has recorded an aggregate average of 1137.

Sophomore Mara Rouse has an aggregate average of 1135 this year, but she fired a season-high 1149 in a triangular at Air Force and vs. Alaska Fairbanks on Feb. 2.

Freshman Samantha Miller is also rounding into form, having fired a personal-best 579 in air rifle last time out at the Patriot Rifle Championships. For the year she has an average aggregate of 1125, aided by a campaign-high 1140 vs. UT-Martin on Oct. 21, 2017.

“This season we may not have finished quite where we had liked to in the rankings however this team has gained valuable experience and made tremendous progress throughout the year,” Muegge said. “We’re a young team and anytime you have a young team there is going to be a learning curve.”

Overall as a team the Miners produced their highest aggregate (4626-vs. UT-Martin-10/21/17) at the school since the 2011-12 campaign. The score of 2309 in smalbore that day tied for eighth all-time at UTEP.

“We’ve made it to the final stretch of our season and the team has their sights set to finish on a high note,” Muegge said. “I’m very proud of the individual successes that we’ve had on the range this season. I cannot begin to express how impressed I am by this team’s match-day demeanor and the hard work they have put in both on the range and in the classroom. Regardless of outcome this weekend, it’s going to be a good match.”

Live results will be available on match day at http://results.megalink.no/#/univ–texas-el-paso

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Co.- The UTEP rifle team tuned up for the 2018 Patriot Rifle Conference Championships by firing an aggregate of 4579 in a triangular match with host Air Force (4684) and Alaska Fairbanks (4670) on Saturday.

“Today’s match was a good warm-up going into the start of our conference match tomorrow,” UTEP head coach Hannah Muegge said. “We were short a shooter today, as Bailey was out of play, but overall there were a lot of improvements made throughout the day and the team is excited and ready to apply them this weekend.”

Sophomore Abby Monique shot her third-highest aggregate (1151) of the campaign. She registered a 573 in smallbore and a 578 in air rifle to eclipse her seasonal average in both disciplines.

Sophomore Mara Rouse posted a season-high aggregate of 1149. She recorded a 570 in smallbore and then fired a campaign-best 579 in air rifle.

Junior Maranda Nelson produced an aggregate of 1146, notching her second-highest score (563) of the season in both smallbore and in air rifle (583).

Freshman Jessica Boyce finished with an aggregate of 1133, using a 555 in smallbore and 578 in air rifle.

Freshman Samantha Miller compiled an aggregate of 1118, tallying 546 in smallbore and 572 in air rifle.

The Miners will be back on the range for the smallbore portion of the 2018 Patriot Rifle Conference Championships on Saturday. The air rifle competition will be held on Sunday.

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The UTEP rifle team was upended by Jacksonville State, 4673-4596, at the UTEP Rifle Range Sunday. The Miners recorded 2266 in smallbore before firing their second-best air rifle score (2330) of the season.

“The team accomplished several goals throughout the weekend and achieved 11 individual personal records,” UTEP head coach Hannah Muegge said. “We’re looking forward to taking this momentum into this upcoming weekend as we travel to Colorado for our upcoming conference championships. The team has one more opportunity to get in another successful match before wrapping up our regular season.”

Sophomore Bailey Powell produced a team-high aggregate of 1165. She got things going with a 575 in smallbore before adding a 590 in air rifle.

Abby Monique registered a season-high tying aggregate of 1155, with a 567 in smallbore and career-best 588 in air rifle.

Freshman Jessica Boyce notched an aggregate of 1144. She shot a career-high 570 in smallbore and a 574 in air rifle.

Junior Maranda Nelson checked in with an aggregate of 1128. She posted a 554 in smallbore and 574 in air rifle.

Freshman Samantha Miller recorded an aggregate of 1123, finishing with 545 in smallbore and a personal-best tying 578 in air rifle.

UTEP will return to action with a triangular-match vs. Alaska Fairbanks and Air Force in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Friday. The Miners will then switch their focus to the Patriot Rifle Championships (Feb. 3-4).

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The UTEP rifle team shot its second-highest aggregate score (4611) of the season in a triangular meet with TCU (4709) and Jacksonville State (4646) at the UTEP Rifle Range Saturday.

“Today was a good match in preparation for the Patriot Rifle Conference Championships next weekend in Colorado Springs, as we faced two highly competitive opponents (TCU and Jacksonville State),” head coach Hannah Muegge said. “The team had a really good showing today. Our groups are getting tighter and we’re becoming more confident on the firing line. We will look to build on today’s performance as we compete again tomorrow with Jacksonville State.”

Sophomore Bailey Powell led the way with a career-high aggregate of 1172. The effort ties for fifth all-time at UTEP.

She fired a personal-best tying 579 in smallbore. Powell added a season-high 593 in air rifle, which ties for seventh in the Miner record books.

Sophomore Abby Monique posted an aggregate season-best of 1155. She used a 576 in smallbore and 579 in air rifle.

Freshman Jessica Boyce had a banner day by setting career highs in both aggregate (1154) and smallbore (569). She also matched her personal best in air rifle (585).

Junior Maranda Nelson recorded an aggregate of 1130, with 556 in smallbore and 574 in air rifle.

Freshman Samantha Miller registered an aggregate of 1128, with 544 in smallbore and 571 in air rifle.

The Miners will be back on the range against Jacksonville State on Sunday. Smallbore starts at 9:15 a.m. and air rifle commences at 12 p.m. Admission is free.

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COLUMBUS, Ohio.- The UTEP rifle team wrapped up its two-day stay in the “Buckeye State” by falling to Ohio State, 4685-4583, on Sunday.

Sophomore Bailey Powell fired a career-high aggregate of 1169 to set the tone for the Miners. She used a personal-best 578 in smallbore and a season-high 591 in air rifle to achieve the feat.

Freshman Jessica Boyce compiled an aggregate of 1144. She shot a 559 in smallbore before firing a career-high 585 in air rifle.

Sophomore Abby Monique recorded an aggregate of 1140. She posted a score of 561 in smallbore while shooting a season-high 579 in air rifle.

Freshman Samantha Miller finished with an aggregate of 1133. She matched her second-best score (559)in smallbore while also notching her second-highest total (574) in air rifle.

Junior Maranda Nelson registered an aggregate of 1127. She finished with 562 in smallbore and 565 in air rifle.

Sophomore Mara Rouse registered an aggregate of 1127. She notched a score of 560 in smallbore and 567 in air rifle.

UTEP will be back in action when it competes at TCU on Saturday.

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COLUMBUS, Ohio- The UTEP rifle team posted its second-highest aggregate (4589) of the season but it wasn’t enough to get past either Murray State (4708) or Ohio State (4684) in a triangular meet hosted by the Buckeyes on Saturday.

The Miners fired a campaign-best 2326 in air rifle while matching their second-highest score (2263) of the season in smallbore.

Sophomore Bailey Powell led the way for the Orange and Blue by firing an aggregate of 1151. She recorded a 566 in smallbore and a score of 585 in air rifle.

Junior Maranda Nelson followed close behind with an aggregate of 1149, which was helped by a career-high air rifle score of 588. She also tallied a 561 in smallbore.

Freshman Jessica Boyce finished with an aggregate of 1145. She matched her second-highest score of the year in smallbore with 564 while posting a 581 in air rifle.

Sophomore Mara Rouse fired a season-high aggregate of 1144. She posted a 572 in both smallbore and air rifle.

Freshman Samantha Miller recorded an aggregate of 1137, which was aided by a career-best 578 in air rifle. She added a 559 in smallbore.

Sophomore Abby Monique posted an aggregate of 1127. She used a 557 in smallbore and a 570 in air rifle.

UTEP will take to the range for the second straight day in Columbus on Sunday.

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Murray, Ky.- The UTEP rifle team fired its highest aggregate score (4626) since the 2011-12 season, aided by tying the eighth-best smallbore score (2309) in program history, in its victory against UT-Martin (4598) Saturday. The match was hosted by Murray State.

UTEP started the match with smallbore, where it excelled across the board. Five Miners set career highs while another matched her personal best to help UTEP crack the school’s top-10 smallbore recordbook. Additionally it is the highest score in the discipline since the 2011-12 campaign.

The Miners added a team score of 2317 in air rifle, including another personal high, to wrap up an outstanding day on the range.

“For a coach, it’s very rewarding to watch the team come together and perform as a unit. We had a great day in smallbore with match highs across the line,” UTEP head coach Hannah Muegge said. “The team has been working hard fine-tuning their positions in practice and today’s match reflected that. We’re looking forward to making a few corrections in air rifle and building on today’s performance.”

Sophomore Bailey Powell finished tied for the best score on the range with a career-high tying aggregate of 1168. She shot a career-best 579 in smallbore while firing a 589 in air rifle.

Junior Maranda Nelson notched a career-high aggregate of 1152, helped by a personal-best 575 in smallbore. She added a 577 in air rifle.

Freshman Jessica Boyce finished with an aggregate of 1150, including matching her career high in smallbore (568). She then shot a 582 in air rifle.

Sophomore Abby Monique registered an aggregate of 1149, which was helped by her career-best 581 in smallbore. She recorded a score of 568 in air rifle.

Sophomore Mara Rouse posted an aggregate of 1143, including establishing a career-high 574 in smallbore. She posted a 569 in air rifle.

Freshman Samantha Miller enjoyed a career day across the board, securing personal bests in aggregate (1140), smallbore (567) and air rifle (573).

UTEP will be back in action when it ventures to the “Buckeye State” for two days of competition on the first weekend of November. The Miners will face Murray State on Nov. 4 while sharing the range with the host Buckeyes on Nov. 5.

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The UTEP Rifle team kicks off action in the 2017-2018 season Saturday against Nevada. The match will be held at the UTEP Rifle Range located inside the Military Science Building.

“It’s been a while since UTEP has had a season-opener at home, so we are very excited to start the season here on our home range as we host Nevada on Saturday,” head coach Hannah Muegge said. “The team is highly motivated and ready to work their way up the rankings this season.

Four of the eight shooters from the 2016-2017 season will be returning this year, along with two talented newcomers (Jessica Boyce, Samantha Miller). The Miners welcome back junior Maranda Nelson, and sophomores Abby Monique, Bailey Powell and Mara Rouse.

With a new team culture in place, the youthful Miners look to set their sights on putting UTEP back on the map.

Nelson, who set a personal best in smallbore (567), air rifle (580) and aggregate (1147) versus Air Force/ Nevada, looks to continue her success and help the team improve. She shot a 579 in air rifle at Ohio State and recorded a 574 in air rifle at the Patriot Rifle Championships on Feb. 5.

“This season is full of potential,” Nelson said. “We have a motivated, tight-knit group that is aiming to constantly improve and climb up the competitive ladder. This season is going to be explosive.”

Monique registered a career high in aggregate twice (1161) last season and looks to continue her solid effort this season. Rouse last season shot a personal best in air rifle (591) and a career high aggregate (1156) versus Ohio State.

Powell, who set a school record (597) for the Miners in air rifle, looks to return even stronger this season and lead the team. As a freshman she paced the squad with the best air rifle average (588), and topped 590 in five separate matches last season.

Nevada will open its season at UTEP. The Wolf Packs’ co-ed team finished with a combined aggregate (4639) last season versus UTEP (4616) during the NCAA Qualifier on Feb. 18.

Junior Mitchell Van Patten finished last season leading the Wolf Pack with top scores in air rifle (594), smallbore (588) and aggregate (1182) posted during the Akron and OSU Buckeye Invite. Senior Sarah Jameson returns after recording career highs in air rifle (593), smallbore (584), and aggregate (1170) during two separate contests last season.

The match will begin with smallbore at 9 a.m. and air rifle will kick off at 11:30 a.m. The contest is free and live stats will be available on UTEPAthletics.com.

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Thirty-five past and present UTEP student-athletes will receive their diplomas at spring commencement on Saturday (May 13) in the Don Haskins Center.

The list includes 13 representatives from the football program, five from soccer, three from women’s basketball, three from men’s track and field, two from men’s basketball, two from rifle, two from softball, two from volleyball, and one each from men’s golf, women’s golf and women’s track and field.

Of the 35 graduates, 25 have earned placement on the Conference USA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll (minimum 3.0 grade point average) during their careers, and seven have been recipients of C-USA Academic Medals (minimum 3.75 GPA).

Spring 2017 UTEP Graduating Student-Athletes

Brittney Adams (Women’s Track & Field)

Has been a part of two C-USA Indoor Championship teams … member of the distance medley unit that won back-to-back conference titles …  Multidisciplinary Studies major.

 

Dominic Artis (Men’s Basketball)

Second Team All-Conference USA in 2017 … first player in school history to lead the team in rebounding, assists and steals … one of only four players in Conference USA history to tally 400 points, 150 rebounds, 150 assists and 50 steals in a season … ranks fifth in school history in assists including 187 in 2016-17, third-most in the UTEP record book … member of the 2016 C-USA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll … Multidisciplinary Studies major.

 

Alexa Bain (Soccer)

Four-year starter on defense who helped UTEP post a record of 48-25-11 … started 64 of 76 games played, earning more than 5,000 minutes on the pitch … efforts aided the Miners in notching 33 shutouts for her career, including a single-season school-record tying 11 in 2016 … four-time member of the Conference USA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll … Marketing major.

 

Bri Barreiro (Soccer)

Recorded 10 goals and 10 assists for 30 points while playing more than 5,000 minutes in her career … started 69 of 76 games played, including all 22 as a senior … helped UTEP post a combined record of 48-25-11 during her four years … two-time C-USA Women’s Soccer All-Academic Team member … four-time recipient of a Conference USA Academic Medal and four-time member of the C-USA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll … management major.

 

Tyler Batson (Football)

Three-year letterwinner … saw action in 36 games as a wide receiver … led the team in yards per reception (22.8) in 2016 … during junior season, caught 21 passes for 365 yards with three touchdowns and a team-leading 18.8 yards per catch … posted a career-best 143 yards and a pair of scores, including a career-long 76-yard touchdown, during a win over Florida Atlantic in 2015 … Multidisciplinary Studies major.

 

Cosmas Boit (Men’s Track & Field)

Four-time All-Conference USA and 2016 All-Region honoree … member of the 2014 C-USA Indoor Championship team … two-time C-USA Cross Country Championship team member … Member of the 2016 Conference USA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll … Criminal Justice major.

 

Cedric Click (Football)

Played in 48 games for the Miners …  tallied a total of 30 tackles, five pass breakups and one fumble recovery … as a sophomore posted 92 yards on five kickoff returns and a career-long return of 30 yards versus San Diego State … Multidisciplinary Studies major.

 

Aleah Davis (Soccer)

Garnered All-League and All-Region accolades in all four years, making her the first Miner to achieve the feat … started every game (82) of her career … ranked tied for third at UTEP for game-winning goals (10) and tied for eighth in assists (17) … compiled more than 100 community service hours in her career … voted to the 2016 NSCAA Senior women’s College Scholar All-America team and the C-USA Women’s Soccer All-Academic team … recipient of the 2017 “Golden Miner Award” … four-time member of the Conference USA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll … kinesiology major.

 

Frederik Dreier (Men’s Golf)

Two-time Conference USA Golfer of the Year (2015-16, 2016-17), only the third player in C-USA history to garner the award in back-to-back years … has played in 46 tournaments for the Miners, compiling a 72.3 scoring average … led the Miners to their first conference title in 32 years this season … four-time member of the Conference USA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll … Marketing major.

Derek Elmendorff (Football)

All-Conference USA Freshman Team member in 2014 … has played in 33 games, making 29 starts at right guard … part of an offensive line that led Conference USA in fewest sacks allowed in back-to-back seasons … efforts helped the Miners average 185.5 rushing yards per game and score 20 rushing touchdowns last season … has one year of eligibility remaining in 2017 … Criminal Justice major.

 

Jake Flaggert (Men’s Basketball)

Has played in 93 games for the Miners, making 31 starts last season … led Conference USA in charges drawn for the second straight year in 2016-17 and has 57 in his career … has one year of eligibility remaining in 2017-18 … two-time member of the C-USA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll … Marketing major.

 

Taylor Grohmann (Softball)

Won nine games during her career on the mound for UTEP, including a victory on Senior Day May 7 …  registered her first career hit on Senior Day and scored a run … posted a 5-3 record in 2016, helping lead the Miners to the Conference USA Tournament … Kinesiology major.

Amber Herrera (Women’s Golf)

Played in 29 tournaments for the Miners … top finish was a tie for fourth place at the New Mexico dual match in February of 2015 … former president of UTEP’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee … two-time member of the Conference USA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll … Interdisciplinary Studies/Education major.

 

Carnell Horn (Men’s Track & Field)

Member of the 2013 C-USA Outdoor Championship team … member of the 4x400m relay that qualified to the 2014 and 2015 NCAA West Regional Preliminary … recipient of a Conference USA Academic Medal in 2013 and three-time member of the C-USA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll … Biological Sciences major.

 

Alvin Jones (Football)

Second team All-Conference USA in 2017 … has 241 tackles with a year of eligibility remaining in 2017 … led the team in tackles in back-to-back seasons, notching 93 in both 2015 and 2016 … has 10.5 career sacks and 29.5 career tackles for losses … registered career-high 16 tackles in a pair of games … Communication major.

 

Lawna Kennedy (Women’s Basketball)

Junior college transfer who helped UTEP win the 2016 C-USA regular-season championship and make a run to the quarterfinals of the WNIT … played in 60 career games, including 36 starts, while earning 14.8 minutes/game … scored more than 250 points and grabbed better than 175 rebounds … health promotion major.

 

Jessica Kinder (Rifle)

Four-year team member who had career averages of 555 in smallbore and 582 in air rifle … recorded the second-best air rifle average (586) on the team in 2016-17 … fired a 592 in air rifle to tie for the ninth-best in program history at the 2017 Patriot Rifle League Championships … recipient of a Conference USA Academic Medal in 2015 and four-time member of the C-USA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll … kinesiology major.

 

Anthony Kyles (Football)

Played in 20 games, making five starts at right guard … part of offensive line that led Conference USA in fewest sacks allowed for back-to-back seasons … efforts helped the Miners average 185.5 rushing yards per game and score 20 rushing touchdowns last season … Member of the 2015 Conference USA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll … Multidisciplinary Studies major.

 

Lindsey Larson (Volleyball)

Has played in 118 matches and 434 sets for the Miners … led the team in assists (642) and service aces (24) as a senior while finishing her career with 2,677 assists, 71 service aces and 317 blocks … named second team All-Conference USA in 2016 … four-time recipient of a Conference USA Academic Medal and five-time member of the C-USA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll … Civil Engineering major.

 

Mack Leftwich (Football)

Was the starting quarterback in 11 games for the Miners … as a sophomore, led UTEP in passing yards (1,228), touchdown passes (nine), completions (105), attempts (192) and passing efficiency (120.8) … threw for 231 yards with a pair of scores during a victory over Rice in 2015 … four-time member of the Conference USA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll … Multidisciplinary Studies major.

 

Nicole Lindsay (Soccer)

Played in 81 games, including 55 starts, while securing more than 4,700 minutes of playing time … helped the Miners forge a record of 48-25-11 during her four years … played all over the pitch, contributing two goals and seven assists for 13 points … two-time member of the Conference USA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll … marketing major.

 

Sky Logan (Football)

Has played in 22 games, making 12 starts at the defensive end position … registered a total of 63 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, one fumble recovery, four pass breakups and one forced fumble … has one year of eligibility remaining this fall … two-time member of the Conference USA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll … Multidisciplinary Studies major.

 

Jay Mattox (Football)

Four-year starter that played in all 49 games for the Miners … finished his collegiate career tied for first in program history with 137 PATs … also rates no. 2 among kickers with 257 points, and no. 3 with 40 field goals made … concluded his senior campaign ranked second on the team in points (54) and finished 39-of-40 on PATs … member of the 2014 Conference USA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll … Communication major.

 

Lulu McKinney (Women’s Basketball)

Graduating in just three years and has one season of eligibility remaining … helped UTEP win the 2016 C-USA regular-season championship and advance to the WNIT quarterfinals … has played in 92 games with 45 starts … already ranks sixth all-time at UTEP for three-pointers made (107)… two-time member of the Conference USA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll … Communication major.

 

Sterling Napier (Football)

Has played in 36 games for the Miners … was utilized in multiple blocking schemes last season, helping the team average 185.5 rushing yards with 20 rushing touchdowns … hauled in his first career touchdown last year versus Florida Atlantic … coming back for his senior season in 2017 … member of the 2015 Conference USA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll … Criminal Justice major.

 

Hannah Nicholson (Soccer)

Two-year letterwinner for the Miners before her career was derailed by injuries … in 2014 contributed one goal and five assists for seven points … four-time member of the Conference USA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll … Mechanical Engineering major.

 

Danielle Pearson (Softball)

Ranks second on UTEP’s all-time wins list … hurled over 490 innings and recorded over 200 strikeouts for the Orange and Blue … also collected over 80 hits during her career, while showing power at the plate with three home runs and 45 RBI … Member of the 2016 Conference USA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll … Organizational & Corporate Communication major.

 

Erik Ramirez (Football)

Saw the field in the Miners’ 52-24 victory over North Texas last season … also played in two games as a freshman … has one year of eligibility remaining in 2017 … recipient of a Conference USA Academic Medal in 2014 and four-time member of the C-USA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll … Chemistry major.

 

Kevin Rincon (Men’s Track & Field)

Has ranked among the top-10 in the javelin at the C-USA meets … helped the Miners to a second-place finish at the 2015 C-USA Outdoor Championships …. five-time member of the Conference USA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll … Kinesiology major.

 

Brendan Royal (Football)

Played one season for the Miners, seeing action in all 12 games in 2016 … recorded 33 tackles, 1.5 tackles for losses, an interception and three pass breakups … opened the campaign with three pass breakups, tied for third-most in a game in program history, during a victory over rival NM State … recipient of a Conference USA Academic Medal in 2016 and two-time member of the C-USA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll … Multidisciplinary Studies major.

 

Monthserrat Serna (Rifle)

Four-year competitor who had a career average of 531 in smallbore and 556 in air rifle … set a career-high in air rifle (569) at the 2016 NCAA Qualifier …three-time recipient of a Conference USA Academic Medal and four-time member of the C-USA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll … Biological Sciences major.

Sparkle Taylor (Women’s Basketball)

Prolific scorer who finished second all-time at UTEP in field goals made (530) and third in points (1,352) … also tied for sixth in free throws made (272) … 2017 All-Conference USA second team honoree and 2016 C-USA Sixth Player of the Year … helped UTEP win the 2016 C-USA regular-season championship … member of the 2017 Conference USA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll … Criminal Justice major.

 

Nick Usher (Football)

A three-year starter who saw the field in 49 games … last season he started all 12 contests and led the team in tackles for losses (8.0), sacks (5.5) and quarterback hurries (five) … rated third on the team with 77 tackles and added two pass breakups and a blocked kick … finished career tied for no. 10 in school history with 12 sacks … Multidisciplinary Studies major.

 

Adrian Ward (Football)

Played two seasons for the Miners, starting in 22 games after transferring from Chabot College … earned 2004 All-WAC first team honors after tallying 59 tackles, 12 pass break-ups and five interceptions … led the Miners to eight wins and the Houston Bowl … registered a total of 98 tackles, 18 deflections and eight picks at UTEP … was chosen in the seventh round of the NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings … Multidisciplinary Studies major.

 

Naomi Whitehair (Volleyball)

Played in 260 sets over 87 matches in three years as a Miner … tallied 415 digs in her career … notched a career-high 16 digs against South Alabama as a senior … Health Promotion major.

Jessica Boyce has signed a national letter of intent to attend school and join the UTEP rifle team starting for the 2017-18 season, head coach Hannah Muegge announced Thursday.

“Moving our sights to next season, I strongly feel Jessica will be a great asset for us as we look to continue to improve upon our team goals and strengthen our team culture,” Muegge said. “Jessica has set some great goals as she aims forward to the collegiate level and the team is very excited to welcome her aboard.”

Boyce is on track to graduate from Maple Mountain High School (Spanish Fork, Utah) and intends to major in psychology.

Below is a brief bio on Boyce:

Boyce developed her love for competitive shooting by participating in the Utah High School Rodeo 3P sporter event in 2013, qualified for and took part in the 2014 High School National Finals.

2014-15 Utah High School Rodeo Rifle State Champion; began competing in precision rifle with the Springville Jr. Rifle Club in the fall of 2013. Also is a member of the Utah Precision Marksmanship Society and holds the range record in air rifle at the University of Utah.

Boyce competed in many NRA postal and sectional matches, receiving both local and national recognition, qualified for the Junior Olympics in 2015 (air rifle), 2016 (air rifle and smallbore) and 2017 (smallbore)

She helped her team take second place at the 2015 Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) Western Regional Matches … also took place in the event in 2016 and 2017; posted the seventh-best individual score to advance to the finals in 2017.  That effort earned her an individual invitation to compete in the CMP 3P Nationals.

Boyce has spent the past four years has teaching hunter education classes and mentoring younger shooters at her club.  Boyce loves to read, be in the outdoors and travel with her family, and has a great love for animals.

She intends to major in psychology at UTEP. Boyce is the daughter of Steven and Krista Boyce and the big sister to Katie, her shooting partner.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The UTEP rifle team fired an aggregate of 4591 (13 points higher than its seasonal average) to claim sixth place during two days of competition at the Patriot League Championships.

TCU took home the crown (4726) with Alaska-Fairbanks (4705) snagging runner-up accolades and host Ohio State (4691) securing third. Air Force (4673), Nevada (4659) and the Miners (4591) rounded out the field.

The Orange and Blue tied their second-highest score (2342) of the campaign in air rifle while finishing at 2249 in smallbore.

UTEP competed in smallbore on day one of the championships. Rachael Schoenrock led the way with a team-high 574.

Mara Rouse rose to the occasion, firing a career-high 568. Her prior best was 566. Sophomore Maranda Nelson registered 557, which matched her third-highest career score.

Bailey Powell shot 550 while Abby Monique finished at 548.

The Miners turned their focus to air rifle on Sunday. Senior Jessica Kinder and Powell set the tone (592). The effort established a career-best for Kinder while ranking as the second-highest career score for Powell.

Monique was in good form with a score of 581. Rouse finished at 577 while Schoenrock  tallied 576. Nelson recorded a 574 while shooting as an individual.

Schoenrock paced UTEP with an aggregate of 1150 with Rouse (1145) and Powell (1142) close behind. Monique fired a 1129.

Nelson’s aggregate was 1131.

UTEP will be back in action when it competes at TCU on Saturday.

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – For the second straight day the UTEP rifle team recorded an aggregate (4622) that hadn’t been achieved in five years in at the school in a triangular meet with Air Force (4696) and Nevada (4646) Sunday.

The Miners used the eighth-best score in program history in air rifle (2341) while establishing a season high in smallbore (2281).

Senior Rachael Schoenrock set the tone for the squad by tallying an aggregate of 1162. She posted a team-high 576 in smallbore while firing a solid 586 in air rifle.

Freshman Abby Monique recorded 575 in smallbore, just one shy of her career high. She then shot a personal-best 586 in air rifle to wrap up the day with a career-high tying aggregate (1161). Fellow classmate Bailey Powell also matched her career-high aggregate (1152). She shot a 568 (one shy of career best) in smallbore while firing a quality 584 in air rifle.

Freshman Mara Rouse recorded her second-best smallbore score (558) before finding another gear in air rifle to fire a personal-best 583 for an aggregate of 1141.

Sophomore Haylee Schoenrock set a career best in smallbore (572) while firing 566 in smallbore for an aggregate of 1138. Sophomore transfer Maranda Nelson recorded the second-highest smallbore score (562) of her career. She then shot 562 in air rifle to wrap up day with an aggregate of 1124

Senior Jessica Kinder contributed through her efforts in the air rifle (585).

The Miners will enjoy a bye week before returning to the range to play host to Alaska Fairbanks on Nov. 4.

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