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Impressive team aggregate score is the highest team mark in program history
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of Kentucky rifle team posted the highest team aggregate score in program history Saturday, earning a 4736-4686 victory over Navy in Annapolis, Maryland.
The Wildcats’ previous school record team score was 4735, which they scored last season at Murray State. UK did earn a 4737 last season against Navy, but since the match was done virtually scores didn’t officially count towards NCAA records. This is now the third straight season that UK has bested its previous school record.
“We were excited to get back on the road and compete against a quality team like Navy,” UK head coach Harry Mullins said. “We battled hard for points today and learned a lot about ourselves and hopefully that translate into more success this season. We have some things we need to work on and we will get those squared away. Excited to be home a couple times over the next month and for this team to continue to push and get better.”
Kentucky (2-0) earned the high score after season-high marks in both smallbore and air rifle. UK started the match with a 2351 in smallbore and sealed the victory with a 2385 in air rifle. The smallbore score is tied for the fourth-highest in the nation this season, while UK’s air rifle score is tied for the highest mark in the nation. The aggregate is second highest in the nation this season.
Navy (3-4) scored a 2306 in smallbore and 2380 in air rifle. The Midshipmen were led by Michael Zanti, who scored a 580 in smallbore and 596 in air rifle. McKenzie Shedd also scored a 596 in air rifle.
The top five individual scores at the match were all Wildcats with junior Mary Tucker leading the way in both disciplines. Tucker shot a 592 in smallbore and 599 in air rifle for an aggregate score of 1191. The 599 in air rifle is just the fifth 599 or better mark this season in collegiate air rifle. Senior Will Shaner finished just behind her with a 589 in smallbore and 596 in air rifle for an aggregate of 1185. This was the first collegiate match of the season for the duo as both have been competing internationally for USA Shooting.
Senior Richard Clark continued his strong start to the 2021-22 season with a 583 in smallbore and 595 in air rifle for an aggregate of 1178. Fellow senior Mitchell Nelson and junior Jaden Thompson each also scored 1178 aggregates. Nelson scored 587 in smallbore and 591 in air rifle – both career-high marks – while Thompson shot 583 in smallbore and ties a career best with a 595 in air rifle.
Junior Emmie Sellers posted a 572 in smallbore and 593 in air rifle, while fellow junior Mason Hamilton scored a career-best 581 in smallbore and 588 in air rifle. Freshman Allison Buesseler posted a 572 in smallbore and 586 in air rifle.
The Wildcats will now return home for four straight home matches to end the 2021 portion of their schedule. UK starts by hosting Ole Miss on Saturday, Nov. 6 before the Kentucky Long Rifle Match with Morehead State and Murray State on Saturday, Nov. 13. The following day, UK hosts Memphis on Sunday, Nov. 14 and rounds out the 2021 schedule against Akron on Saturday, Nov. 20.
