No. 4 Kentucky rifle (5-0, 2-0) extended its unbeaten streak by defeating No. 6 Murray State (3-2, 2-0) and No. 13 Army (2-3) in a tri-match with a combined aggregate score of 4,740, outperforming Murray State’s 4,717 and Army’s 4,677.
This marks the second consecutive match where Kentucky scored 4,740, tying its best aggregate score of the season and the highest score at a home match.
Kentucky’s success was driven by standout performances, particularly from Sofia Ceccarello, who recorded an impressive aggregate score of 1,190. Ceccarello’s scores of 591 in Smallbore and 599 in Air Rifle, along with 89 total centers, demonstrated her exceptional skill and consistency, earning her the top individual ranking of the match.
Braden Peiser also played a crucial role in Kentucky’s victory, finishing with a total score of 1,188. Peiser was the top smallbore performer for Kentucky, scoring 592 and contributing significantly to air rifle with a score of 596 while also showcasing his consistency with 39 centers.
The team’s depth was evident as they had six shooters place in the top ten, showcasing their diligent training and preparation. Murray State had three shooters in the top ten, and Army had one.
In smallbore, Kentucky led the charge with seven Wildcats occupying the top ten, all scoring above 583. Murray State’s Carlotta Salafia, Scott Patterson and John Blanton finished third, fourth and fifth, respectively, with each scoring 586. Army’s Briggs Moore was the top scorer for his team with a 583.
While the air rifle competition was more contested, Kentucky still maintained control, with six-shooters finishing in the top ten. Freshman Sam Adkins had an outstanding performance, scoring 597, just behind Ceccarello, and achieving 50 centers. Norway native Martin Voss also contributed to Kentucky’s air rifle score with a solid 594 and 43 centers.
Murray State’s Patterson led his team in air rifle with a score of 597 and 46 centers, finishing with an aggregate of 1,183. Army was paced by Moore, who recorded an 1,174 aggregate.
Kentucky had nine athletes compete across two relays, with Ceccarello, Peiser and freshman Liz Probst in the first relay, while senior Allison Buesseler, juniors AJ Hotko and Martin Voss along with freshmen Hannah Todd, Brandon Evans and Sam Adkins comprised the second relay.
The Wildcats will travel to Colorado Springs, Colorado, for two matches beginning Saturday Nov. 23 against Akron and ending Sunday Nov. 24 against Air Force and Akron. UK will then break for the year and return in early 2025 to complete the final stretch of the season.
