Kentucky Sneaks Past Georgia Southern in Season Opener
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Behind a strong effort in air rifle, the University of Kentucky rifle team posted a victory in its season opener at Georgia Southern by one point on Saturday in Statesboro, Georgia.
Kentucky and Georgia Southern both posted a 2341 team score in smallbore, but the Wildcats edged out the Eagles in air rifle 2383-2382 to earn a one-point victory.
“We really had to work through some things today and I was proud of how the team responded,” UK head coach Harry Mullins said. “We are still a work in progress and every chance we get to compete is going to help us immensely through this journey.”
Kentucky started the match on smallbore and posted a 2341 team with with 136 centers. The Wildcats were led by Peiser, who scored a 589 with 39 centers, scoring a 196 in kneeling, perfect 200 in prone and 193 in standing. Junior Sam Adkins posted a 588 in smallbore with 35 centers, scoring a 193 in kneeling, 199 in prone and 196 in standing. Freshman Maggie Palfrey posted a 583 with 32 centers, earning a 193 in kneeling, 198 in prone and 192 in standing. Although he wasn’t in the countable lineup, freshman Noah Abzug scored a 582 with 34 centers. The rookie scored a 193 in kneeling, 198 in prone and 191 in standing.
Wrapping up the smallbore scoring for Kentucky was junior Liz Peiser, who scored a 581 with 30 centers, posting a 195 in kneeling, 196 in prone and 190 in standing. Sophomore Jacob St. Hilaire scored a 192 in kneeling, 194 in prone and 192 in standing for a 578 with 27 centers.
In air rifle, it was Adkins that led the way with a 598 and 53 centers, followed by Braden and Liz, who each scored a 596 with Braden adding 53 centers and Liz 47. Palfrey and St. Hilaire each recorded 593s although St. Hilaire was not in the countable lineup. Abzug scored a 590 to wrap up UK’s scoring.
Adkins took home the overall top performer award with a 1186 aggregate, followed in second place by Braden Peiser, who posted a 1185.
Saturday’s match with Georgia Southern started the 2026-27 season for the Wildcats. This is the second year in a row that Kentucky has started its season in the same city that the NCAA Championships will be held later in the year. Saturday’s match was in the Shooting Sports Education Center with the NCAA Championships held in the Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center.
UK will start a two-match home stretch next weekend when it plays host to Murray State on Oct. 10. The Wildcats will also compete at Barker Hall on Saturday, Oct. 17 against Akron. Admission to both matches is free.
