MARION, Ill. - The Union College Archery team captured its first national championship over the weekend at the USCA 3D United States Intercollegiate Archery Championship (USIAC).

To claim the overall national championship, the Bulldogs came away with 11 total medals: four gold, five silver, and three bronze.

"We have worked, trained, and built towards an opportunity like this since the program started," said head coach Cody Kirby. "Finally getting to see the team climb to the top was very rewarding. This was a great team accomplishment, even those shooters who didn't leave with a medal were integral to the preparation for this event."

Lucas Roy led the way for the Bulldogs in Men's Compound by claiming the gold medal and the highest individual score of the weekend with a 428. He was followed closely by Calvin Gross, who took home the silver medal with a score 424. The Men's Compound team, consisting of Roy, Gross, and Bryce Woodrome left the tournament with the gold medal after defeating Southeast Illinois with a score of 286-281

In Women's Compound, Jillian Ballengee and Hannah Lane brought home gold and bronze medals, respectively, for the individual qualifying round. Ballengee posted a score of 410 and Lane scored 399. Jodi Hicks along with Ballengee and Lane were the members of the silver medalist Women's Compound team after falling in the gold-medal match.

Ballengee and Roy teamed up in the Mixed Compound Division and made a run all the way to the gold-medal match. Ultimately, they would settle for silver.

Posting a score of 385 and taking home gold for the Women's Bowhunter Division was Haley Golden. Kay Stewart with a score of 377 stood next to her on podium with the silver medal. The Women's Bowhunter team consisted of Golden, Stewart, and Amanda Hornsby. During their final round, they shot their best team score of the day of 280 but fell short of gold by only 6 points to receive a silver medal.

The Mixed Bowhunter team consisted of top-ranked Golden and teammate Morgan Vaughn. They would bring home bronze after defeating Campbellsville by six points (186-180) in their final round.

"With 3D season over we will take a short break, regroup, and then start getting ready for indoor season," Kirby added. "I'm really proud of everyone involved in getting our team to this point, and I am excited for our future."

The Bulldogs' indoor season begins Jan. 26-28 at the USCA Indoor National Qualifier – South Region competition.