The No. 15-ranked Akron rifle team traveled to Massachusetts on Feb. 7-8 to face The Massachusetts Institute of Technology, competing both at MIT’s home range in Cambridge and at a neutral site, the Reading Rifle Club.
The first match marked the final weekend of the MIT “Bean Pot Invitational.”
At the end of the weekend, the Zips captured the coveted Bean Pot with a team score of 4679. Akron has competed in the Bean Pot several times over the years. In fact, the 2010 Bean Pot is sitting on my desk—and it will be nice to add a second one. And yes, it really is a ceramic bean pot. Rather cool!
The second match took place at Reading Rifle Club against MIT. Cold weather and heavy snow did not slow the Zips, who fired a scorching 4698—the third-highest team score of the season. That performance moved Akron from No. 15 to No. 14 in the national rankings. I was very pleased to see the team come together and post such a strong score.
Akron junior Kaleb Santiso had an outstanding weekend, tying his career high in air rifle (591) while setting new personal bests in smallbore (581) and the 2-gun aggregate (1168). Kaleb is one of the hardest-working members of the team, and it was great to see him reach these milestones. Freshman Kathleen Moran also turned in a tremendous performance, eclipsing her career high in smallbore with an impressive 585. All in all, it was a rewarding trip to Massachusetts for the Akron Zips.
Akron vs. MIT and Norwich Scorecard
You can view the full results of both matches at the NCAA rifle website.
On Saturday, Feb. 21, the No. 14 Akron Zips will host No. 16 Army. With only a slim margin separating the two teams, this matchup promises to be memorable. Targets from the match may be viewed at shooteronline.net.
Saturday will also be Senior Day for the Zips. Following the match at approximately 12:30 p.m., a program will recognize the four graduating seniors: Rachael Paddock, Natalia Siek, Joseph Hahn and Sally Reeke.
