Dec. 11, 2013

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of Kentucky rifle team wrapped up competition at the 2013 Winter Airgun Championships, with sophomore Connor Davis winning gold in 10m Air Rifle on Sunday.

“This was a great experience for all 10 of our shooters,” UK head coach Harry Mullins said. “We had some solid performances all around and I think this will have a positive impact on our team as we work toward our goals.”

Davis finished with the third highest aggregate for the weekend, shooting an 1859 through three contests. On Sunday, Davis posted a 619.8 to advance to the final. In the final, Davis and George Norton each shot a 206.2, leading to a one shot shootout to determine the winner. The sophomore claimed the championship by shooting a 10.2 on the final shot, while Norton recorded a 10.0

In juniors, Davis took silver in the first two matches, while also claiming gold in the third match.

Junior Elijah Ellis shot an 1847.2 throughout the course of the weekend to finish 10th in total aggregate. Ellis opened Friday with a 616.3, improving to shoot a 616.9 on Sunday and finishing the weekend off with a 614 on Sunday.

Senior Aaron Holsopple shot an aggregate 1826.5 in three matches, shooting his best score, 612.1, on Friday. Sophomore Luke South broke the 600 barrier twice, recording a 604.3 on Friday and a 605.1 on Sunday.

In the 10m Women’s Air Rifle event, senior Emily Holsopple completed the weekend with an aggregate of 1234, including a 413.1 on Sunday with a 162.6 in the final to follow. Holsopple shot a 161.9 in the final on day one.

Freshman Heather Kirby shot a 411.1 on the third day to qualify for the final, where she would shoot a 99.4. Fellow freshman Sonya May shot an aggregate 1222.2 through three matches.