The No. 3 University of Kentucky rifle team had a successful comeback in their dual-match against Georgia Southern on Sunday. The Wildcats posted a team score of 4739 and defeated Georgia Southern in Fairbanks, Alaska.
The team showed improvement in both smallbore and air rifle disciplines, scoring a 2354 and 2385 respectively. The aggregate team score was the third highest of the season for the Wildcats. Georgia Southern, on the other hand, posted a 2313 in smallbore and 2341 in air rifle.
UK head coach Harry Mullins praised the team’s performance and said, “Proud of how the team responded today. I think we saw some good things overall. These matches are all about us perfecting the details so when NCAAs come around we are ready to be at our best. I think we are working towards that match by match. Looking forward to getting back to training this week and competing in the Withrow next weekend.”
Freshman Sofia Ceccarello led the team, posting a career-high 595 in smallbore and 596 in air rifle for an aggregate of 1191. Super senior Mitchell Nelson also had a strong performance, scoring a 590 in both disciplines with a career high in smallbore. Freshman Martin Voss also impressed, with a 588 in smallbore and 591 in air rifle. Super senior Richard Clark and senior Emmie Sellers also contributed, with scores of 587 and 586 in smallbore and 596 and 595 in air rifle respectively. Super senior Will Shaner posted a 582 in smallbore and 598 in air rifle.
Sophomores Allison Buesseler and Kayla Kalenza, seniors Mason Hamilton, Jaden Thompson and Torie Kopelen, and freshman AJ Hotko also contributed to the team’s success, with scores ranging from 568 to 595.
Georgia Southern’s team was led by Addy Burrow, who scored a 585 in smallbore and 595 in air rifle. Amy Visconti earned a 581 in both disciplines.
Kentucky will be back in action next weekend at the annual Withrow Invitational, hosted by Murray State. The event will be held on Saturday and live scores and live targets will be available online at UKathletics.com.
