Collegiate Rifle: Akron Slips Behind Georgia Southern, TCU in Season Opener

For the first time ever, the Akron Zips hotshots traveled to Statesboro, Georgia, for the season opener against Georgia Southern and Texas Christian University on October 4, 2025. For the 10th anniversary of opening of the Georgia Southern range, the No. 13-ranked Zips fell behind No. 3 TCU and No. 5 Georgia Southern.

Akron rifle kicked off the 2025-26 season on the road against nationally ranked TCU and Georgia Southern in Statesboro, Georgia, on October 4. (Photo by Newt Engle)

Even running with the big dogs, Akron senior Natalia Siek climbed to the top of the smallbore leaderboard with her amazing 594 out of the possible 600. In doing so, Siek rewrote the Akron smallbore record book. Starting with the perfect 200 in the kneeling position and finishing with a three position score of 594, Siek now owns both school records. Additionally, the GSU sports information director advises this is the new high smallbore score for the GSU facility. What a nice way for GSU to celebrate its 10th anniversary. I could see it coming. First, a perfect kneeling score, then a 199 in prone, followed by a strong performance in standing. Her performance is a testament to the payoff of consistent hard work and dedication.

Speaking of hard work, let’s also recognize the other half of Akron’s senior duo—Rachael Paddock. She led the team in air rifle with a personal-best-tying score of 592 and added a season-high 580 in smallbore, finishing with an impressive 1172-73X aggregate. Paddock continues to lead both on and off the range, setting a strong example for the team.

While Akron athletes had a strong showing, the overall top scorer came from Katie Zaun of TCU, with an aggregate score of 1188-92X. Two Georgia Southern competitors—Bremen Butler (1188-92X) and Tori Watts (1186-91X)—ranked second and third, respectively, on the individual aggregate leaderboard.

Akron vs. Georgia Southern and Texas Christian University Leaderboard

Screenshot courtesy NCAA Rifle

See the full match scorecard at ncaarifle.org.

Next up for the Akron Zips is the home opener on Sunday, October 12. The No. 13-ranked Zips will square off against No. 10 Memphis. The fun will start at 9:00 a.m. in Akron’s Schrank Hall South marksmanship facility.

For more information on the Akron, Georgia Southern and TCU rifle teams, visit their official athletics websites.