No. 1 Kentucky rifle (7-0, 4-0) delivered an outstanding performance against No. 8 Air Force (6-2) and No. 12 Akron (7-5), defeating both schools with their highest aggregate score of the season with a 4,748. Air Force followed closely with 4,720 and Akron finished with 4,707. 

The Wildcats showcased their consistency, posting a team aggregate score of 4,748, a season-best and the third-highest team score in the nation this season.

Kentucky’s performance included a season-best score of 2,360 in smallbore, tying for the second-highest smallbore team score in the country, and a 2,388 in air rifle, tying for the fourth-highest air rifle team score nationally.

Leading the charge was junior Sofia Ceccarello, who achieved a perfect score of 600 in air rifle, marking the first perfect score of her collegiate career.

This accomplishment places her among just four athletes in the nation to achieve such a feat this season. Ceccarello’s consistency has been clear as this marks her fourth consecutive match scoring 599 or higher.

Sophomore Braden Peiser also had a standout performance, tying a school record with a score of 597 in smallbore, which is currently the highest smallbore score in the nation this season. Combined with his air rifle score of 597, Peiser’s aggregate score of 1,194 ties the highest aggregate score in the country this season and is just one point shy of the school record. 

Peiser’s exceptional performance earned him the top individual honor of the match, closely followed by Ceccarello, who finished with an aggregate score of 1,192. Lillian Wytko of Air Force led her team in both disciplines and finished third with a 1,185-aggregate score. 

In smallbore, Peiser led the way with his record-tying 597, scoring 199 in kneeling, prone and standing, while Ceccarello contributed a solid 592 with 38 centers. Freshman Brandon Evans achieved a career-best 591, and fellow freshman Sam Adkins scored 587.

Junior Martin Voss and senior Allison Buesseler rounded out the scoring with 584 and 583, respectively. Freshman Liz Probst completed the rotation with a score of 573.

In air rifle, Ceccarello’s perfect score was complemented by Peiser’s 597, along with strong performances from Probst and Adkins, who also scored 597. Voss contributed 594, while Buesseler and Evans scored 592 and 586, respectively.

This weekend’s tri-matches wrap up Kentucky’s 2024 schedule. The 2025 section of the season will kick off with a dual match against Georgia Southern in Lexington, Kentucky on Sunday, Jan. 12.