Nov. 2, 2013
LEXINGTON, Ky. – On the road for the first time this season, the University of Kentucky rifle team defeated No. 8 TCU 4694-4635 Saturday in Fort Worth, Texas.
“I thought we did pretty well overall, it’s always good when we pick up a couple points from where we were last match,” UK head coach Harry Mullins said. “We’re steadily improving with our smallbore and overall aggregate each being season highs.”
Led by senior Emily Holsopple’s 589, the Wildcats held a 2333-2301 advantage following smallbore. Kentucky went up 775-766 in kneeling and increased the lead to 1567-1555 following prone, with Holsopple posting a perfect 200 in prone.
“Emily had a good performance, anytime you break 1180 individually you should be pleased,” Mullins said. “She worked really hard and it was great to see her score represent that.”
Senior Aaron Holsopple and freshman Heather Kirby put up solid numbers in smallbore, shooting a 583 and 581, respectively. Sophomore Connor Davis followed with a 578 and freshman Sonya May boosted the Wildcats score with a 584. Junior Elijah Ellis shot a 576, including an impressive 99 on his last card.
Davis finished air rifle first for the Wildcats, delivering a team-best 594. Aaron Holsopple, Ellis and Kirby followed with a 584, 586 and 585, respectively, while Emily Holsopple shot a 592. May added to Kentucky’s air rifle score with a 589.
Kentucky’s 2361 in air rifle brought the aggregate score to 4694, the Wildcats’ highest point total this season.
“Connor was steadfast in air rifle as always,” Mullins said. “He had chance at a huge number but lost a few points at the end. I’m proud of Aaron, Sonya and Heather, they all contributed with good performances.”
Kentucky will return to action a week from today as Navy travels to town.
“I’m proud of the whole team, everyone took a step toward the goals we are trying to reach,” Mullins said. “We’re consistently climbing, picking up one or two points each day. I thought we put in a good days work, we’ve been training hard this week and we’ll take what we learned today and get ready for Navy.”
