Oct. 13, 2012
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of Kentucky rifle team opened its 2012-13 campaign with a 4666 – 4643 victory over No. 4 Nebraska, narrowly winning smallbore 2310-2307, before taking air rifle 2356-2336, Saturday in Lincoln, Neb.
The preseason No. 2 team handed conference foe Nebraska (2-1) its first loss of the season after fighting off a Nebraska squad that recorded five new season bests. Kentucky’s three point edge in smallbore bested Nebraska’s season high.
“Overall that match went fine, it’s always good to open the season with a conference win,” UK head coach Harry Mullins said. “We had some struggles in smallbore that we are going to have to work hard this week to correct. However, I was real proud of the team to not give in and bring their all in air rifle. They worked very hard today.”
Kentucky was led by great performances from senior Henri Junghänel and junior Emily Holsopple. Junghänel led the team with a 590 in his first smallbore competition of the year to go along with a 591 in air rifle. Holsopple started the season on a high note, posting a 587 in smallbore with a team-high 592 in air rifle.
“We had some highs from Henri and Emily,” Mullins said. “They both really stepped up to the task at hand and showed they are strong competitors. It was good to see both of them pick up where the left off last year.”
Freshman Connor Davis had a good showing to open his collegiate career, including shooting a 588 in air rifle. Senior Stacy Wheatley (1148) and sophomore Elijah Ellis (1148) rounded out Kentucky’s team with solid performances.
Kentucky saw solid performances from junior Aaron Holsopple and senior James Jasis. Holsopple shot a 575 in smallbore and 584 in air rifle while Jasis shot a 570 in smallbore and 580 in air rifle. Senior Katie Fretts posted a 585 with Ed Ryznar shooting a 586 and Jonathan Pinkel posting a 578.
“I feel that this team is capable of doing some really good things this season,” Mullins said. “With a little more work on our routines, I feel that we can improve on this number over the next few matches. I am glad we got this first one under our belt at this location. We can go on and keep working. The next two matches will be more of the same, solid tests with strong competition.”
Kentucky will pick up competition Oct. 19, with its first home match against Murray State.
