Ossi Claims NCAA Title in Smallbore

Nebraska's Cecelia Ossi won the NCAA smallbore title, highlighting a strong performance from the No. 7 Nebraska rifle team at the 2023 NCAA Championships on Friday at the James A. Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
 
Ossi shot a 590 in the first round of competition and placed third to qualify for the event's final Friday afternoon. In the final, she defeated Will Shaner of Kentucky, 16-8. The final started off with eight shooters and eliminated two at a time until Ossi and Shaner went head-to-head.
 
"All my coaches have put in so much work, all my friends and family are here," said Ossi. "It just means a lot to me to win that medal, not only for myself, but for them and all the work they've put into helping me succeed."
 
Ossi is the first Husker to win a NCAA Championship since Rachel Martin accomplished the feat in 2015 in the smallbore and Nebraska's fourth individual NCAA Champion. NU's other individual national champions are Kristina Fehlings (air rifle, 2006), and Nicole Allaire (smallbore, 2000). 
 
"I wish I could have been there to experience this incredible milestone in her career," said Head Coach Mindy Miles, who missed the NCAAs because of health reasons. "Cecelia is a top athlete in the NCAA, and this is another recognition to prove it. This was a very difficult match to win and her hard work and grit got her through the match and final. I'm so proud of her and can't wait for more moments just like this one with her and our team."
 
Ossi has been a consistent leader for NU this season, racking up 10 top-five finishes in 11 matches prior to the NCAA Championships. Her smallbore (587.73) and aggregate (1,181.82) averages led the team.
 
"It was an incredible and emotional experience to be a part of," said Assistant Coach JT Schnering. "Cecelia is known for being one of the top athletes in the country, and this competition solidified her as number one. The national championship is known to add more pressure than any other match of the season, and she handled it to perfection."
 
As a team, NU shot a 2,340 in the first of two events this weekend. No. 2 Alaska-Fairbanks placed first in the event with a score of 2,349, just ahead of No. 5 Ole Miss (2,346). West Virginia (third, 2,343), Nebraska (fourth, 2,340), Kentucky (fifth, 2,340), TCU (sixth, 2,338), Air Force (seventh, 2,322) and Murray State (eighth, 2,322) rounded out the eight-team field.
 
In the first round of competition, Ossi finished in third place with a score of 590. Fellow junior All-American Madelynn Erickson finished in 16th (585), freshman Vittoria Watts was 19th (584), freshman Emma Rhode was 31st (581) and sophomore Mackenzie Strauch was 38th (576). 
 
The Huskers will compete in the air rifle event of the NCAA Championships starting at 8:15 tomorrow. 

Final Results- Teams

1st- Alaska Fairbanks, 2,349
2nd- Ole Miss, 2,346
3rd- West Virginia, 2,343
4th- Nebraska, 2,340
5th- Kentucky, 2,340
6th- TCU- 2,338
7th- Air Force- 2,322
8th- Murray State- 2,322

Final Results- Husker Individuals

Cecelia Ossi- 590, 3rd in regular competition, 16-8 in finals, 1st
Madelynn Erickson- 585, 16th
Tori Watts- 584, 19th
Emma Rhode- 581, 31st
Mackenzie Strauch- 576, 38th