Huskers Rout Eagles Behind Smallbore Record

The No. 6 Nebraska rifle team used a team smallbore record to defeat the No. 14 Morehead State Eagles by a score of 4,719-4,669 on Saturday in Morehead, Ky.

The Huskers broke the previous smallbore team record of 2,345, set on Oct. 22 against Air Force. NU's aggregate score of 4,719 is the second-highest team aggregate in program history, topped only by the Huskers' score of 4,726 at Alaska-Fairbanks on Nov. 13.

"The team made a strong return for the spring season. It was a great travel match and a great jumping off point for two home matches to come," said Head Coach Mindy Miles. "Cecelia broke out and tied her season smallbore best with a 592. Maddie, Emma and Tori made a very strong appearance in smallbore. Kenzie has been steadily maintaining her season best of a 592 in air. A great performance from Maddie in air, however, as a team we are looking to add more points in air next weekend."

Nebraska swept the top four spots overall. Junior All-American Madelynn Erickson placed first with an aggregate score of 1,185. She was followed by fellow All-American Cecelia Ossi (1,178, second), freshman Emma Rhode (1,178, third) and freshman Vittoria Watts (1,178, fourth). The tiebreaker was determined by the number of 10-point shots from each athlete.

In the air rifle, four Huskers placed in the top five. Erickson took first with a 597, her career-best score in the event. She was rounded out by Watts in third (593), Rhode in fourth (592) and sophomore Mackenzie Strauch in fifth (592). Strauch's score of 592 ties her season best.

NU took the top four spots in the smallbore. Ossi placed first and tied her personal best score of 592, while Erickson (588) followed her in second. Rhode (586) was third and Watts (585) placed fourth.

The Huskers will return home to take on No. 6 TCU at the Nebraska Rifle Range on Saturday, Jan. 21 at 8 a.m.