Rifle Defeats Akron Saturday at Barker Hall

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of Kentucky rifle team continued its winning ways Saturday as it defeated Akron in a home dual-match inside Barker Hall in Lexington, Kentucky.

Kentucky started the match with a 2341 in smallbore and followed with a 2377 in air rifle for a 4718 aggregate. Akron posted a season-high team aggregate score with a 2331 in smallbore and 2362 in air rifle for a 4693 aggregate.

“Saw some good things and also a lot we need to work on as we continue to progress as a team,” UK head coach Harry Mullins said. “As we have said before, just trying to get better each and every day so we are competing at the highest level at the end of the season. Hopefully, we can get a good week of training this week and get back at it next weekend at Nebraska. Go Cats!”

The two teams competed across two relays Saturday, however, all countable athletes were on the first relay.

In the first relay, Kentucky was paced by Braden Peiser and Sam Adkins, who each scored a 1183 aggregate. Peiser and Adkins each scored a 586 in smallbore and 597 in air rifle. Liz Peiser also posted a 586 in smallbore on the first relay, but did not compete in air rifle. Sophomore Jacob St. Hilaire posted a 581 in smallbore and 589 in air rifle for a 1170, while freshmen Maggie Palfrey and Iva Rakonjac both performed well in the first relay. Palfrey scored a 583 in smallbore and 592 in air rifle for a 1175 aggregate, while Rakonjac scored a 569 in smallbore and 591 in air rifle for a 1160 aggregate.

Akron was led by Kathleen Moran, who scored a 585 in smallbore and 592 in air rifle for a 1177 aggregate.

Kentucky will compete again next Saturday in Lincoln, Nebraska against the Cornhuskers. Start time is to be determined with live targets and a NCAA scorecard available online at UKathletics.com.