In a matchup that felt less like November and more like championship weekend intensity, No. 1-ranked Nebraska held off a challenge from No. 7 UTEP in El Paso, Texas, escaping with a 4717-308X to 4713-304X win on Saturday, Nov. 15. Four points separated the two squads in what became a slow-burn, nerve-tightening duel—classic college rifle pressure.
Nebraska stays undefeated at 10–0, but the Miners made the nation’s top team sweat for every center.
Mick Leads a Husker Surge
With the kind of swagger you’d expect from someone who just found their top gear, Charlie Mick powered Nebraska with a match-winning 1187-79X aggregate, the best score of the day. She wasn’t alone:
- Katlyn Sullivan followed with 1186-87X
- Carley Seabrooke posted a strong 1185-86X
The trio helped Nebraska place three athletes in the top four, cementing a team identity built on depth and resilience.
UTEP countered with star turns of its own, including Kameron Wells, who fired a 1185-87X, and Carlee Valenta, who stayed right in the thick of the air rifle battle with a 596-45X.
Smallbore: UTEP Edges the Huskers
Despite the final result, UTEP actually clipped Nebraska in smallbore, 2337 to 2335, thanks to consistent work across its lineup. But Nebraska’s high-end firepower held.
Seabrooke’s 591-40X led all shooters, while Mick and Sullivan stacked matching 590s, helping Nebraska keep UTEP within reach despite a few early shots that drifted off the ideal track.
Air Rifle: Nebraska Flexes No. 1 Credentials
Air rifle is where Nebraska reminded everyone why there’s a giant “1” next to its name. The Huskers unloaded a 2382, powered by back-to-back 597s from Sullivan and Mick, both showing veteran calm in the pressure-cooker final strings.
With Seabrooke and Grace Corbett adding twin 594s, Nebraska built just enough cushion to erase the smallbore deficit and ride out UTEP’s late push.
Head Coach Richard Clark was fired up about his team’s composure and consistency. As reported at Huskers.com, he said:
“I’m very pleased with how the team performed today. While our smallbore number did not reflect the work put into the performances, we came out strong and continued the great work in air rifle showcasing the depth we have in our program … We’ll get back to the range on Monday and look forward to closing out our fall season at home next weekend!”
Nebraska vs. UTEP Scorecard
See the full match scorecard at ncaarifle.org.
What’s Next
The Huskers head home to finish their fall slate in Lincoln against No. 9 Ole Miss and No. 10 Air Force on Saturday, Nov. 22—a double-feature that could either reaffirm their dominance or test whether this undefeated run has staying power.
