The University of Kentucky rifle team rebounded from a tough smallbore performance to clinch the air rifle team championship and finish second overall at the 2026 Great America Rifle Conference Championships. Kentucky's air rifle score of 2385 was the day’s highest, allowing them to move from fourth to second place overall with a total score of 4730, just ten points shy of first-place West Virginia. Notable performances came from Braden Peiser, who won the overall performer award with an aggregate score of 1192, and Liz Probst, who earned a bronze in the individual air rifle final. Coach Harry Mullins expressed pride in the team's resilience and ability to overcome challenges from the previous day.

By the Numbers
  • Kentucky scored 2385 in air rifle, the highest score of the day.
  • Braden Peiser achieved a total aggregate score of 1192, including a 597 in smallbore.
State of Play
  • Kentucky moved from fourth to second place after a strong performance in air rifle.
  • The team had three shooters, Adkins, Probst, and St. Hilaire, qualify for the individual finals.
What's Next

Kentucky will compete next at the NCAA Championships on March 13-14 in Columbus, Ohio, where they will again face the challenge of smallbore and air rifle events.

Bottom Line

The team's ability to bounce back from adversity sets a positive tone heading into the NCAA Championships, showcasing their potential for future success.