OXFORD, Miss. — After one day of competition in the Great American Rifle Conference Championships, the Kentucky rifle team posted a solid score in smallbore (2299), good for a second place showing, just one point off the lead held by Army.

“We had a fairly good day of competition,” Kentucky head coach Harry Mullins said. “We did not perform up to our abilities but we have a chance to come out and have a good showing Sunday in air rifle.”

The usual suspects paced the Wildcat lineup, freshmen star shooters Tom Csenge and Jen Pason. Csenge shot a team-high 579 and Pason posted a 576. Csenge placed third and Pason ranked one spot behind in fourth place. Sophomore Andrew Roland shot a 572 while senior co-captain Amy Sowash notched a 572.

The freshmen duo reeled in a myriad of accolades late Friday night as the GARC season awards were announced. Pason was honored as the Rookie of the Year in addition to being named to the first team in smallbore and in the combined categories. Mullins also racked up GARC Coach of the Year honors.

Sunday the Wildcats shoot air rifle and look to defend its regular season crown.

“We need to come out, focus and really work hard at getting shots where we need them to go,” Mullins detailed. “This team has a lot of perseverance and they will come out tomorrow and have a great day.”