Rifle Shines in Virtual Wins Over Morehead State, Army

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The No. 2 University of Kentucky rifle team continued its strong start to the 2020-21 season, earning two more victories in virtual format by defeating Morehead State and Army on Saturday. The Wildcats were connected electronically with both teams while all three teams performed from their home ranges.
 
Kentucky started the match with a 2338 team score in smallbore and followed with a season-high mark of 2371 in air rifle for a final score of 4709. Army earned a 2318 in smallbore and 2364 in air rifle for a 4682, while Morehead State posted a 2284 in smallbore and 2360 in air rifle for a final score of 4644.
 
“I think we did as well as we could under the circumstances today,” said UK head coach Harry Mullins. “To have to go virtual in the last minute due to Morehead State’s test results not coming back in time took a little wind out of our sails. I think the team was disappointed in the fact we had to go virtual again and we had to get the second relay here very quickly to get them all off at the same time. I think overall, we performed well and pushed towards the numbers we are looking for we just need to get a better handle on how that looks. Will and Mary both had good days combined and Will’s 599 air rifle score was nice to watch. It was good to see Emmie score a personal best in smallbore as well. I am proud of the group for how they adjusted and battled. We will go back to training for two weeks and getting ready for NC State at the end of October.”
 
It was junior Will Shaner that paced the Wildcats in both disciplines, earning a 591 in smallbore and 599 in air rifle. Both marks are season highs for Shaner, while his impressive air rifle score tied a career high. Sophomore Mary Tucker had another strong showing scoring 589 in smallbore and 597 in air rifle.
 
Senior Hailee Sigmon scored a 580 in smallbore and 584 in air rifle while junior Richard Clark posted a 578 in smallbore and 590 in air rifle. Sophomores Jaden Thompson and Emmie Sellers performed well for the second straight week. Thompson scored a 576 in smallbore and 591 while Sellers secured a career-best 579 in smallbore and 584 in air rifle. Fellow sophomore Mason Hamilton posted a 574 in smallbore and 578 in air rifle.
 
Senior Mason Joachim scored a 565 in smallbore and 581 in air rifle while junior Mitchell Nelson earned a 576 in smallbore and 584 in air rifle.
 
Morehead State was paced by Katie Frye in smallbore with a 576 while both Frye and Erin Diehl scored 592s in air rifle. Army was led by Clayton Hason in both disciplines, earning a 584 in smallbore and 594 in air rifle.
 
Kentucky will return to action on Saturday, Oct. 31 when it plays host to NC State inside the Barker Hall Rifle Range. The match is schedule to begin at 9 a.m. ET and live targets will be available online at UKathletics.com.
 
For the latest on the Kentucky rifle team, follow @UKRifle on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, as well as on the web at UKathletics.com.