BISMARCK, N.D. – The Valley City State University Shooting Sports team kicked off its 2026 season with a strong showing at the North Dakota Fall Collegiate Championship Shoot held Sept. 19 in Bismarck. The team brought home several top finishes and set a solid foundation to build on as the season continues.

Gretchen Deaver had an outstanding day, sweeping the ladies divisions. She took first place in Ladies Singles with a score of 96/100, first in Ladies Handicap with 46/50, and first in Ladies Doubles with 45/50. Deaver also earned High Female Overall with a combined score of 187/200.

In Men's Singles, Kasey Odegaard tied for first with a 96/100 before finishing second following a shoot-off, where he scored 22/25. Ty Awender also earned a first-place finish in Men's Handicap with a score of 47/50.

Cali Steffan added two runner-up finishes for the team. She placed second in Ladies Handicap with a 45/50 and tied for second in Ladies Doubles with a 40/50. Steffan then secured second place in the doubles shoot-off with a score of 19/20.

"Overall, this was an encouraging start to the season for VCSU," said Nick Galt, VCSU coach. "While there is still plenty of room to improve, the team showed strong potential in Bismarck and is looking forward to building on these performances throughout the rest of the season."