LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Kentucky rifle team, coming off one of its top training sessions of the season, kicks off post-season competition by hosting one of the NCAA Qualifying rounds, on Saturday and Sunday at UK?s Barker Hall.

?This is the first time we have ever shot the qualifier at home,? Kentucky head coach Harry Mullins said. ?We are one of only about 13 or 14 schools in the country that are hosting the qualifier and the weekend will be very important to our team.?

The Wildcats (9-2) enter the post-season after wrapping up its regular season with two wins over Rose-Hulman and Jacksonville State on Feb. 2-3. UK has been led by several individuals, including starting lineup mainstays Tom Csenge and Jen Pason. Also pacing the Wildcat lineup has been Ashley Jackson, Ray Geyer and Andrew Roland.

?I almost prefer to shoot the qualifier on the road for several reasons ? match atmosphere, pre-match preparation, no distractions, and we have more of a control of the environment,? Mullins said. ?Our entire team will have to bring its best game this weekend, because even shooters who aren?t on the starting lineup get to compete for spots at the NCAA Championships.

The NCAA Qualifier will serve several functions, including awarding the National Rifle Association National Champions for each respective gun category, air rifle and smallbore. Live scoring will be available on UKathletics.com.