Rifle Hosts Doubleheader This Weekend vs. Akron, North Georgia
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The 2026 home schedule is here for the University of Kentucky rifle team as the Wildcats will play host to two home matches this weekend inside the UK Rifle Range, facing off against Akron on Saturday and North Georgia on Sunday.
Sights and prep for smallbore will begin at 9 a.m. ET each day with air rifle getting underway at approx. 11:30 a.m. ET each day. There will only be one relay each day. Spectators are invited to watch the live stream of the match up in Barker Hall and enjoy free breakfast during the first part of the relay. The range will be open to spectators for air rifle. Admission is free.
Another way for fans to follow along both in-person and watching at home will be live stream online to help provide a breakdown of the action and how the teams and competitors are performing. Former UK All-American Billy Azzinaro, who helped lead UK to the 2018 NCAA Championship, will be providing commentary of the action on Saturday and Sunday. The live stream will be available on YouTube and through the UK Rifle Facebook Page, along with live targets and a NCAA scorecard.
“After not getting to compete last weekend due to weather, I know we are excited to not only be back competing this weekend, but doing it at home in front of Big Blue Nation,” UK head coach Harry Mullins said. “Last time we were at home, we posted a good score and hopefully we can do that again this weekend. I know everyone has been inside all week with the snow and ice, but if you can find your way out we would love to see you at Barker Hall for some free breakfast and great rifle competition.”
Kentucky started its 2026 season with a NCAA-record-tying team score in Alaska. In a tri-match with Alaska and Nebraska in Fairbanks, Alaska, Kentucky posted a 4759 team score, which was a school record and tied a NCAA record. In the match, UK posted a 2368 smallbore team score, which was also a school record and the second-best score in the nation this season. The match was held at the Tanana Valley Sportsman’s Association range with UK setting range records in smallbore, air rifle and aggregate team scores.
Junior Braden Peiser was exceptional at the match, scoring a 1195 aggregate with a 597 smallbore and 598 air rifle. Sophomore Sam Adkins posted a 1190 aggregate with a 593 smallbore and 597 air rifle. Senior Sofia Ceccarello posted a 597 air rifle and 591 smallbore for a 1188.
The following day, UK scored a 4733, which was one of its best team scores this season. The trip to Alaska was successful for the Wildcats, who returned and had their match last weekend at Murray State postponed due to inclement weather.
On the season, Kentucky is averaging a 2350.44 in smallbore and 2386.22 in air rifle with a 4736.67 aggregate average. Peiser leads Kentucky with a 594.571 smallbore average and 597.857 air rifle average for a 1192.428 aggregate average. Adkins is second on the team with a 588 smallbore average and 597.222 air rifle average for a 1185.222 aggregate average.
Ceccarello is third on the team with a 586.5 smallbore average and 596.625 air rifle average for a 1183.125 aggregate, while sophomore Liz Probst is averaging a 584.625 smallbore and 596.286 air rifle for a 1180.911 aggregate.
Senior Brandon Evans is having a great season with a 582.556 smallbore average and 592 air rifle average, while fellow senior Martin Voss is earning a 582.75 smallbore and 590.25 air rifle. Freshmen Elisa Boozer and Jacob St. Hilaire are having great seasons. Boozer is earning a 576.444 smallbore and 593.667 air rifle, while St. Hilaire is earning a 576 smallbore and 591.571 air rifle.
Sophomore Hannah Todd is earning a 567.5 smallbore and 585.667 air rifle, while senior AJ Hotko is posting a 569 smallbore and 581.333 air rifle. Junior Emily Marne is earning a 556.333 smallbore and 568 air rifle.
Akron is averaging a 2329.13 smallbore and 2359.25 air rifle for a aggregate average of 4688.38 this season. The Zips are led by Natalia Siek, who is earning a 1178.50 aggregate average.
North Georgia is averaging a 2301.89 smallbore and 2348.22 air rifle for a 4650.11 aggregate average. Bri Walter is the leader for NGU, earning a 1161.334 aggregate average.
