Collegiate Rifle: Akron Edges North Carolina State At Final Match Before NCAA Qualifier

by
posted on February 14, 2022
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
akron_ncstate2022-1.jpg
Newt Engle

On Saturday, February 12, the Akron rifle team entered the range for its final home match of the season against North Carolina State. Sadly, for some competitors this was their last collegiate match at Akron’s home range. However, Akron rifle continued its winning tradition on Senior Day, taking the win with 4692 over N.C. State’s 4662. This score also tied Akron’s third-best score of the season.

Akron vs NC State rifle
Akron defeats N.C. State, 4692-4662. Akron rifle led in both air rifle (2369-2352) and smallbore (2323-2310).


Akron sophomore Kayla Andreoli set a career high in smallbore rifle after posting 586 out of the possible 600. Andreoli’s score also garnered her the smallbore top-gun award. Led by seniors Wyatt Openshaw and Jeanne Haverhill, along with freshman Lex Kirk, the trio ended up firing the same score of 580 and the pace was set for an Akron win.

NC State vs Akron NCAA rifle scorecard
Seven of the top 10 individual aggregate scores came from Akron shooters. (Screengrab courtesy of NCAA)


As for the air rifle division, it was also owned by Akron, with the top gun honor going to Kirk after firing 595, equaling her high mark for the season. Additionally, Andreoli, plus sophomore Gavin Perkowski and senior Andre Gross each scored 590 or more.

In the middle of the match, we pressed the pause button to take a moment to recognize departing seniors. After being together for the past four or five years and battling through the COVID-19 restrictions and requirements, this group of talented athletes are to be commended for their leadership and fellowship. A finer group of young people you will not find. 

Touted as the most important match of the season, the 2022 NCAA qualifier match will be held at Ohio State University on Saturday, February 19 at 1:00 p.m. The NCAA will invite the top eight teams in the nation to participate in the NCAA Rifle Championships, which will be held in March at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Going into the qualifier, Akron rifle is on the bubble in ninth place.

Akron rifle
Prior to next weekend’s NCAA championship qualifier, Akron rifle is sitting in ninth place in the rankings.


See the full NCAA match scorecard here. Learn more about Akron rifle at gozips.com.

Latest

Glockgen6 Debutdec2025 1 Lede
Glockgen6 Debutdec2025 1 Lede

A Brief Review of Glock’s New Gen6 Models

A first look at Glock’s Gen6 pistols, featuring a new optics-ready system, revised ergonomics and meaningful updates across slide and frame.

Classic SSUSA: NRA National Firearms Museum Match Gun Tour

A private tour of the “match case” of historical tournament firearms and other mementos, as well as a peek into the rarely visited vault.

New: Magpul RXM Full-Sized Enhanced Handgun Grip

A new full-size grip module expands the RXM’s modularity, turning Ruger’s compact 9 mm into a more confident duty or competition companion.

USA Clay Target League Shatters Records With More Than 55,000 Student-Athletes in 2025

USA Clay Target League announces 55,832 student-athletes participated in its programs in 2025, marking a 31st straight record-breaking season.

Glock’s New Gen6 Handgun Lineup Redefines Familiar Territory

Glock’s new Gen6 pistols bring refined ergonomics, deeper slide serrations, a flat-faced trigger and a redesigned optic-ready system to the G17, G19 and G45.

New: Beretta 92X Performance Carry Optic Dark Series

Beretta’s 92X Performance Carry Optic Dark Series updates a competition favorite with fresh colors, optics support and refined match-grade upgrades.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.