Recap: Kentucky edges Georgia Southern by 1 point (Rifle)

Match date: Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026 · Shooting Sports Education Center, Statesboro, Ga.

It doesn't get much closer than this. Kentucky rifle opened the 2026-27 season with a one-point win at Georgia Southern.

The teams tied at 2341 in smallbore, so it came down to air rifle, where UK won 2383-2382. Junior Sam Adkins led the way with a 598 (53 centers) in air rifle and took the top overall award with a 1186 aggregate. Braden Peiser was right behind at 1185, including a perfect 200 in prone smallbore. Liz Peiser added a 596 in air rifle.

Freshmen Maggie Palfrey (583 smallbore, 593 air) and Noah Abzug (582 smallbore) both looked comfortable in their college debuts.

"We really had to work through some things today and I was proud of how the team responded," coach Harry Mullins said.

Statesboro is also where the NCAA Championships will be held this season. The Cats beat Murray State in their home opener the next Saturday.

Source: UK Athletics recap. Big Blue Times is an independent fan site.