Following a loss in their season-opening tri-match, UTEP rifle hosted the Air Force Academy Falcons and Schreiner University Mountaineers in their home-opener at the UTEP Rifle Range, Oct. 19.

The Miners shot an aggregate score of 4663, the second highest in the program’s history, even surpassing their 4617 aggregate in their previous match against the Falcons. Despite their best efforts, the Miners were led by the Falcons’ aggregate score of 4717, with the Mountaineers not competing.

Although UTEP missed the mark, they still displayed an upwards trajectory with improvements in the Miners’ smallbore and air rifle aggregates, in addition to individual scorings. Breaking through the 2300 barrier with an overall score of 2307 in smallbore and 2356 in air rifle. Both were slight improvements from their season-opening scores of 2280 and 2337, respectively.

In just her second collegiate match, freshman Kameron Wells led UTEP with an aggregate score of 1168, a 25-point increase from her previous 1143 aggregate. Trailing right behind her was freshman Carlee Valenta who finished with a score of 1166, an 8-point increase from her previous 1158 aggregate.

Senior Isabella Rios reached a new personal-best of 1165, which was a six-point increase from her previous score with graduate student Amy Visconti earning an aggregate of 1164. Similarly to their fellow Miners, both earned overall higher scores, Rios previously received an aggregate of 1154, while Visconti received an 1156.

Although the Miners have yet to make their mark this season, their individual and team growth serves as proof that the trigger has yet to be pulled on their game.

This Saturday the Miners are set to host the Texas Christian University Horned Frogs at the UTEP Rifle Range.

All stats courtesy of UTEP Athletics.

Gael Araiza is the layout editor and may be reached at [email protected]