
Photo by: UT Martin University Relations
KOVACH GUIDES SKYHAWKS ON DAY ONE OF 2023 OHIO VALLEY CONFERENCE RIFLE CHAMPIONSHIP
2/4/2023 3:57:00 PM | Rifle
MARTIN, Tenn. – The 2023 Ohio Valley Conference Rifle Championship started today at Skyhawk Rifle Range as all three teams completed the smallbore portion of the postseason event.
Murray State took the early lead in the two-day event, posting 2,329 points. Morehead State compiled 2,306 points while the University of Tennessee at Martin came away with 2,274 points.
Freshman Joey Kovach led the Skyhawks in smallbore scoring for the third straight match and fifth time overall today. The Bedford, Pa. native shot 98-96 in the kneeling portion, followed by 99-98 in prone and 88-94 in standing.
Alayna Walther was the next-highest finisher for UT Martin, collecting a score of 571 (89-96 kneeling, 97-99 prone, 96-94 standing). Jeffrey Bourassa registered a career-best tally of 567 points courtesy of an 88-93 in kneeling, back-to-back 98's in prone and a 96-94 in standing. Nick Fares was the Skyhawks' fourth and final scorer as he managed a score of 563 (93-94 kneeling, 95-99 prone, 93-89 standing).
Jesse Chamberlain (560 overall; 95-94 kneeling, 96-99 prone, 91-85 standing) also competed today in UT Martin's lineup.
Individually, Murray State's Matias Kiuru's 586 (96-98 kneeling, 99-99 prone, 97-97 standing) topped the leaderboard.
The second and final day of the 2023 OVC Championship is set for Sunday, Feb. 5. All three teams will take part in air rifle with relays set to begin at 9:15 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. An awards ceremony will follow in Alumni Gym at approximately 1:30 p.m.
Murray State took the early lead in the two-day event, posting 2,329 points. Morehead State compiled 2,306 points while the University of Tennessee at Martin came away with 2,274 points.
Freshman Joey Kovach led the Skyhawks in smallbore scoring for the third straight match and fifth time overall today. The Bedford, Pa. native shot 98-96 in the kneeling portion, followed by 99-98 in prone and 88-94 in standing.
Alayna Walther was the next-highest finisher for UT Martin, collecting a score of 571 (89-96 kneeling, 97-99 prone, 96-94 standing). Jeffrey Bourassa registered a career-best tally of 567 points courtesy of an 88-93 in kneeling, back-to-back 98's in prone and a 96-94 in standing. Nick Fares was the Skyhawks' fourth and final scorer as he managed a score of 563 (93-94 kneeling, 95-99 prone, 93-89 standing).
Jesse Chamberlain (560 overall; 95-94 kneeling, 96-99 prone, 91-85 standing) also competed today in UT Martin's lineup.
Individually, Murray State's Matias Kiuru's 586 (96-98 kneeling, 99-99 prone, 97-97 standing) topped the leaderboard.
The second and final day of the 2023 OVC Championship is set for Sunday, Feb. 5. All three teams will take part in air rifle with relays set to begin at 9:15 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. An awards ceremony will follow in Alumni Gym at approximately 1:30 p.m.
Players Mentioned
Skyhawk Sports Talk - Season 3, Episode 7
Tuesday, October 07
Skyhawk Sports Talk - Season 3, Episode 5
Tuesday, September 23
2025 UT Martin Athletics Hall of Fame Induction
Sunday, September 14
Skyhawk Sports Talk - Season 2, Episode 21
Thursday, April 10








