UTEP Rifle Opens Spring Slate vs. Air Force

1/23/2026 5:00:00 PM

EL PASO, Texas - UTEP Rifle opens its spring slate this weekend, welcoming the Air Force Falcons to the Sun City for a head-to-head match on Saturday, January 24, at the UTEP Rifle Range. The match will feature two relays, with range doors opening at 6:45 a.m. Relay 1 is scheduled to begin at 7:45 a.m., followed by Relay 2 at 12:15 p.m.

SCHEDULE

SATURDAY, JANUARY 24
RELAY 1	RELAY 2
Smallbore 7:45 AM - Preparation and Sighters 8:00 AM - Match Fire Air Rifle 10:15 AM - Preparation and Sighters 10:30 AM - Match Fire	Smallbore 12:15 PM - Preparation and Sighters 12:30 PM - Match Fire Air Rifle 2:30 PM - Preparation and Sighters 2:45 PM - Match Fire
^ All Times Mountain

LAST MATCH RECAP

The Miners enter the weekend riding significant momentum after closing the fall slate with a statement victory over No. 16 Ohio State. UTEP defeated the Buckeyes 4720–4705, setting a new program record in aggregate score. The Miners controlled both disciplines, posting a 2342–2334 edge in smallbore before following up with a 2378–2371 performance in air rifle. Sophomore Carlee Valenta led the way with an 1186 aggregate, tying her personal best in smallbore with a 592 — the top score of the match. Kameron Wells added an 1181 aggregate while matching her personal-best smallbore score of 590, and Kennedy Wells highlighted air rifle with a personal-best 598, giving UTEP three shooters above 1175 in the meet.

SCOUTING THE FIELD

UTEP - Nationally, UTEP continues to establish itself among the country's elite. The Miners rank 11th in aggregate (4700.572), 10th in air rifle (2375.429), and 14th in smallbore (2325.143). Valenta has been the team's top performer across the board, ranking 16th nationally in air rifle (596.286), 27th in aggregate (1180.14), and 44th in smallbore (583.857).

Air Force - Air Force arrives in El Paso ranked just behind UTEP in several categories. The Falcons are 12th nationally in aggregate (4692.3) and air rifle (2371.4), and 15th in smallbore (2320.9). Individually, Victoria Leppert leads Air Force in aggregate (1173.6) and smallbore (582.2), ranking 54th and 55th nationally, respectively. Lily Watko anchors the Falcons' air rifle lineup, sitting 27th nationally with a 593.143 average.

Give a gift to UTEP Rifle by donating to the Sharpshooters Club.

Stay up to date with UTEP Rifle by subscribing to the team's newsletter here.

For complete coverage of UTEP Rifle, be sure to follow the Miners on social media at @uteprifle (X), @utep_rifle (Instagram) and on Facebook or visit the official home of UTEP Athletics at UTEPMiners.com

Print Friendly Version