In a thrilling tri-match with Alaska-Fairbanks and Akron, the University of Kentucky rifle team put on an impressive display, posting their season-high team score of 4745. Leading the way was fifth-year senior Emmie Sellers, who had a career day, setting personal bests in both smallbore and air rifle for a new career-high aggregate.
Kentucky’s season-high score came in both disciplines, as they recorded a 2357 in smallbore and a 2388 in air rifle. Despite their strong performance, Alaska-Fairbanks matched their team score of 4745 and was declared the winner of the match based on the tiebreaker of having a higher number of center shots overall. Akron finished in third place with a score of 4716.
Head coach Harry Mullins expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, stating, “That performance is exactly what we were hoping for to wrap up the 2023 schedule, and I am so proud of the team today.” Mullins praised Sellers for her outstanding performance and also highlighted the contributions of Sofia Ceccarello and Martin Voss. He emphasized the need for consistency from Voss in smallbore.
Kentucky’s smallbore score of 2357 is the sixth-highest in the nation this season, making them one of only two teams to achieve a score of 2357 or higher. In air rifle, their score of 2388 ties for the third highest this season. Only three teams have recorded a score of 2388 or higher in air rifle. Their aggregate score of 4745 ties for the fifth-highest team score in the nation.
The match was split into two relays, with Kentucky fielding three athletes in each relay. In the first relay, Ceccarello, Voss, and freshman Braden Peiser performed admirably in smallbore, with Ceccarello scoring a 591, Voss tying a career high with a 589, and Peiser posting a strong score of 589. Ceccarello was particularly impressive in air rifle, scoring a 599, bringing her aggregate score to 1190, which tied for the highest individual score of the match.
In the second relay, Sellers stole the show, recording career-best scores of 588 in smallbore and 598 in air rifle. Sellers’ remarkable performance earned her a personal best aggregate score of 1186, placing her fourth overall in the match. Jaden Thompson and Allison Buesseler also contributed solid scores for Kentucky.
The reigning NCAA National Champions, Alaska-Fairbanks, were led by Rachael Charles, who scored a 591 in smallbore and 599 in air rifle for a total aggregate of 1190. Sara Karasova also had an impressive performance, posting an aggregate score of 1188.
Kentucky concludes their fall season with a 7-1 record and will return to action in 2024. They will face Army on January 13 and Nebraska on January 14. Their next competition will be the Withrow Invitational at Murray State on January 21, followed by a dual match with West Virginia on February 10. The Wildcats will then host a NCAA Qualifier against Morehead State on February 17 before beginning postseason play at the GARC Championships on February 24.
