Huskers Fall to Nanooks in First Weekend Matchup

Fairbanks, Alaska- The No. 6 Nebraska Rifle team posted one of its best scores in program history in a 4,743-4,714 loss to No. 4  Alaska Fairbanks Nanooks Saturday afternoon at the Tanaka Valley Sportsmans Association.

NU's score of 4,714 is the second highest in program history, just three points shy of the school-record mark of 4,717 against No. 7 Air Force on Oct. 22. The three highest scores from the season will count as Nebraska's (3-4) qualifying scores for the NCAA Championships. 

"The team did well today," said Head Coach Mindy Miles. "They are getting more consistent in air (rifle), and we were able to replace one of our qualifying scores for the NCAA Championships. Tomorrow, we shoot at UAF's Patty Center range for another location."

Two Huskers placed in the top five overall. Junior All-American Cecelia Ossi placed third with an aggregate score of 1,184 to lead Nebraska. Freshman Vittoria Watts was fifth with an aggregate score of 1,178.

In the air rifle, Ossi earned a third-place finish with a score of 596. Watts placed fifth with a score of 595 to join Ossi in the top five in the event.

In the smallbore, Ossi placed third with a score of 588. Erickson (seventh, 585) and sophomore Mackenzie Strauch (tenth, 583) also placed in the top 10. 

The Huskers will face the Nanooks  (5-0) again tomorrow at 11 a.m. central.