Kentucky Rifle Dominates Season Opener Against North Georgia
UK rifle starts 2025 with a bang, tops North Georgia
LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky rifle team, ranked No. 3 nationally, kicked off the 2025 season with a resounding victory over North Georgia. The Wildcats flexed their muscles at the Dahlonega Rifle Range, proving they’re ready for the challenges ahead.
Kentucky fielded a fresh lineup, with several athletes making their countable lineup debuts. The move paid off, with the team posting impressive scores of 2324 in smallbore and 2370 in air rifle, totaling 4694. North Georgia, meanwhile, scored 4621.
Coach Harry Mullins expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance. "We had some folks handling pressure in the lineup for the first time, and they responded well," he said. "We’ve got a quick turnaround with our Alaska trip coming up. It’s a great test as we prep for the postseason."
Four Kentucky shooters finished in the top four in individual aggregate scoring. Senior Ally Buesseler led the pack with a remarkable 1177, tying freshman Brandon Evans. Freshmen Sam Adkins (1174) and AJ Hotko (1166) rounded out the top four. Freshman Hannah Todd placed eighth with a score of 1156.
Evans was Kentucky’s top smallbore performer with a 585, while Buesseler scored 584. Adkins and Hotko followed with scores of 580 and 575, respectively. Todd earned a 573.
In air rifle, Adkins and Buesseler scored 594 and 593, respectively. Evans was close behind with 592, while Hotko posted an impressive 591. Todd scored 583.
Next up, the Wildcats travel to Fairbanks, Alaska for matches against UAF on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1. They’ll wrap up the regular season against WVU on Feb. 8 before hosting the NCAA Qualifier on Feb. 22.
The postseason begins with the Great America Rifle Conference Championships in Morgantown, West Virginia from March 1-2. The NCAA Rifle Championships return to Lexington from March 14-15.
For more information on the Kentucky rifle team, visit UKathletics.com or follow @UKRifle on social media.
The University of Kentucky rifle team kicked off the 2025 season with a dominant victory, showcasing thier potential for a triumphant year. The notable performance of several freshmen underscored the team’s depth and future prospects. As they head to Alaska and prepare for the postseason, the Wildcats aim to build on this strong start and contend for national titles.
Keywords: Kentucky rifle, NCAA Rifle, Harry Mullins, Ally buesseler, Brandon Evans
FAQs
Where can I follow the Kentucky rifle team? You can stay updated on the team’s progress by visiting UKathletics.com and following @UKRifle on social media.
What are the upcoming matches for the Kentucky rifle team? The Wildcats will compete against UAF in Alaska on January 31st and February 1st.
Let us know what you think about this exciting start to the UK rifle season! Share your thoughts and predictions for the Wildcats’ performance this year in the comments below.
A Roar Before the reckoning
The University of Kentucky rifle team’s resounding victory over North Georgia marks a promising start to the 2025 season. With a new lineup finding its stride and veteran leadership shining, the Wildcats have set a high bar early on. As Coach Mullins rightly noted, the competition in Alaska will be a tough test, but the confidence gained in this opening match will undoubtedly serve them well as they aim for the postseason.kentucky’s talent, dedication, and potential to excel are clear. This performance is a roar before the reckoning, a foreshadowing of the exciting challenges and triumphs to come.