Jackson Junction, IA – The Indian Hills Sports Shooting squad suffered a 467-452 loss to Northeast Iowa Community College in the team's season opener on Saturday.

 

The Warriors were led by sophomore Camme Barber (Oskloosa, IA/Oskloosa) who posted a team-high 93 to earn top female medalist honors followed by freshman Emily Sytsma (Pella, IA/Pella Christian) with an 87. Sophomore Connagar Logsdon (Centerville, IA/Centerville) added a 92 for the Warriors while Nathan Dunsbergen (Knoxville, IA/Pella) added a 91.

 

"The long trek to Jackson Junction didn't turn out to be how we wanted the season to start, but we learned quite a bit about this year's squad today and what we need to work on in the coming weeks," stated head coach Jake Stalzer. "It was good to get that long trip out of the way our first shoot of the season – the team had a lot of fun and got some great team bonding in. It was good to see a mix of both freshman and returners in our top-five today."

 

Barber, the top returning female shooter for Stalzer's squad, posted back-to-back opening rounds of 23 before firing off a 25 in the third round. Barber finished with a 93, the second-highest mark of her career at Indian Hills. The sophomore has now posted four rounds of 25 throughout her career as a Warrior.

 

Sytsma opened up the day with a 22 in the first round and posted a high of 23 in the third round to earn second-place female honors for the Warriors in her collegiate debut.

 

"It was awesome to see Camme and Emily go 1-2 on the ladies side with solid scores and to be in our top five," Stalzer added.

 

Logsdon posted two consecutive rounds of 22 before posting consecutive 24's in the third and fourth rounds. The sophomore finished the duel with a 92 to earn fourth-place honors for Indian Hills. 

 

"Proud of Connager for not giving up after a tough couple first rounds and firing back-to-back 24's to be our top male gun on the day," Stalzer noted.

 

Stalzer noted a number of individuals who made an impression in their inaugural debut for the Warriors. "Even though Alex Shelton didn't make the podium, I'm excited for him and his effort today with an 86 being the first shoot of his career. He's been working hard each day learning the ropes of formal trap shooting and getting extra practice in which is showing.

 

"Freshamn Johnny Guiter posted an 89, but that's not a good indication of the caliber of shooter he is. I expect him to shake it off and come back stronger next week."

 

The Warriors return to action on Saturday, September 24 for the team's first home duel of the year. Indian Hills will host Kirkwood Community College at 10:00 AM at the Izaak Walton League of Ottumwa.