Sandra Uptagrafft (Los Angeles, Calif.) claimed the first piece of hardware for the U.S. Shooting team today by snagging a gold medal in the Women’s 25 Meter Pistol event and also securing a quota slot for the 2008 Olympic Games. However, Uptagrafft is no stranger to the medal stand as she also took home gold at the 2003 Pan American Games.

“I was really happy with the results,” said Uptagrafft after her victory. “It was a real honor to compete with this great group of athletes.

The United States also had a strong showing in the Men’s 10 Meter Air Rifle, by occupying the top two spots on the medal stand. Jason Parker (Omaha, Neb.) earned a gold medal with a point total of 695.8, while teammate Matt Rawlings took home the silver medal with a 694.2 point total.

“Any time you earn a medal for your country, it feels great,” Parker said with a smile. “We are working hard this year and getting ready for next year.”

In the Women’s 10 Meter Air Rifle, the United States was represented by Amy Sowash who claimed a silver medal behind Cuba’s Englis Yaima Cruz Farfan.

Tomorrow will prove to be another busy day at the shooting range, as finals competition will take place in the Men’s 50 Meter Pistol, the Women’s 10 Meter Air Pistol and the Men’s Trap.

Women’s 25 Meter Pistol
1. Sandra Uptagrafft, USA, 771.9;
2.Laina Perez Facundo, CUB, 770.3;
3. Luisa Maida, ESA, 769.3

Men’s 10 Meter Air Rifle
1. Jason Parker, USA, 695.8;
2. Matt Rawlings, USA, 694.2;
3. Roberto Jose Elias Orozco, MEX, 690.9

Women’s 10 Meter Air Rifle
1. Englis Yaima Cruz Farfan, CUB, 496.1;
2. Amy Sowash, USA, 494.4;
3. Alix Rocio Moncada Aguirre, MEX, 493.5