Sigmon Shines in Cats’ Win

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Fueled by another career day from freshman Hailee Sigmon, the third-ranked Kentucky rifle team defeated No. 16 Memphis (4650) and No. 19 North Georgia (4599) after posting a 4686 on Saturday inside the Buell Armory and Barker Hall on the UK campus.
 
“I thought the team worked very hard,” head coach Harry Mullins said. “Obviously our top shooter wasn’t here – he’s competing internationally. Success in our program and moving up into that top two in the country – it’s important for the whole team to be able to succeed. I think they tested themselves today. They were able to show that they have the ability and skill to shoot the numbers that they want with Henrik (Larsen) back in the lineup. The results and numbers we want will come with time, training, and preparation.”
 
Sigmon led the way for the Wildcats in Larsen’s absence, posting career-high numbers across the board in smallbore, air rifle, and aggregate. The Kiowa, Coloardo, native took to smallbore in the beginning of the match and fired a 579. Sigmon then notched a 596 in air rifle – her third time breaking her personal record in the last four matches – which led to an 1175 aggregate and top-individual honors for the match.
 
“I’ve been focusing a lot on my hip position and settling into my natural point of aim,” Sigmon said of her recent training. “I’ve been working on trusting my gut and knowing it’s there instead of just overthinking everything. I’m excited. This gives me the platform I need to succeed at UK. I have a great team, that’s one of the biggest reasons I came here. We have an amazing team; we’re all a big family. The more I have them, then the more we succeed.”
 
Sigmon’s 596 ranks third on the team this season and is the highest by any Wildcat not named Larsen.
 
Billy Azzinaro claimed second overall with an 1174 aggregate comprised of a 592 in air rifle – his third-highest score – for the second time this year and a 582 in smallbore. Junior Cathryn Papasodora finished first in the smallbore standings after she matched her season high of 583. She ultimately finished tied for third place with Hanna Carr at 1167.
 
The Wildcats final match of the regular season will be on the road in a rivalry match with top-ranked West Virginia. That match will determine the Great American Rifle Conference regular-season champion on Feb. 11, in Morgantown, West Virginia, inside the WVU Rifle Range.
 
For the latest on the Kentucky rifle team, follow @UKRifle on Twitter and on the web at UKathletics.com.