BUNKER HILLS, IL – A dominating effort across two days by Morgan Jensen earned the University of Mary scholar-athlete to a clay target national championship. Neary perfect in her execution, Jensen is the 2026 Female USA National Champion following her performance at the USA Clay Target League College National Championships.
 
This is the first national title for the UMary Clays team.
 
A native of Bismarck, ND, Jensen hit 197 out of 200 clays at the national meet in Bunker Hills, IL, on Saturday and Sunday, October 31-November 1. She topped all 63 females competing and placed fourth overall out of 187 total scholar-athletes.
 
"Morgan Jensen winning the title of Female National Champion is an accomplishment doesn't happen by accident," said UMary Head Clays Coach Mark Sandness. "It takes commitment, countless hours of practice, focus, and the ability to perform when it matters most."
 
Overall the Marauders finished 9^th in the nation out of 25 teams with a score of 928/1000. Team scores at the marks of each school's five highest-scoring competitors, male or female. The first place team combines to shoot 962/1000.
 
"The Clays team represented our program well at Nationals," said Sandness. "Over two days of competition, our scholar-athletes faced tough competition and put their hard work, preparation, and dedication to the test. Our team finished 9th out of 25 teams, a strong showing on the national stage."
 
Seven Marauders competed at the national championships.
 
On the women's side, Addison Taylor finished 11^th out of 63 women with a score of 188/200 while Kylee Leingang placed 21^st after scoring 180/200.
 
Brett Finley topped the UMary men's efforts with a score of 185/200 to finish 35^th out of 124. Joseph Van Oeveren shot a 178/200 to place 62^nd. Close behind was Wyatt Leonard (177/200) in 64^th place with Carter Ruffie (174/200) finishing 68^th.
 
"I'm proud of the way this team competed and represented the program," said Sandness. "We talk about putting in the work, trusting the process, and competing with confidence. It's great to see that hard work pays off on the national stage.
"Congratulations to the entire team on a great national showing, and a special congratulations to Morgan Jensen, our Female National Champion! We have plenty to be proud of and more work ahead of us."
 
#marauders#