The Horned Frog rifle team has found its groove.
The team got off to a hot start with a 3-0 record to begin the season. However, the Frogs do more than just win: they overwhelm their opponents.
At the Tiger Open in Memphis, the Frogs shot a team total score of 4,696, taking home top spot in both air rifle and small bore.
In air rifle, the team shot a 2,379 with sophomore Mindy Miles finishing with a match-best 598, which won her the individual title. Freshman Nicole Hankey finished with a score of 596, placing second. Senior Hannah Black shot a 593 to finish fourth, and freshman Rachel Garner finished fifth with a 592.
In smallbore, TCU shot a match best 2,317 with Garner’s personal best 586 winning her the individual title. Four Frogs finished in the top ten.
Miles’ performance at the Tiger Open led to her being named one of the two TCU Muscle Milk Athletes of the week last week.
At the Ole Miss Invitational, the team once again finished first overall with an aggregate score of 4,696, well ahead of second place finisher Murray State and their score of 4,676. In air rifle, Mindy Miles came in first finishing with a score of 596.
Head coach Karen Monez was thrilled with Miles’ performance.
“Mindy Miles was at the top of her game,” Monez said. “Her back-to-back air rifle scores of 598 and 596 were world-class.”
In smallbore, Black took home first place with a score of 592, much to the approval of Monez.
“Hannah continues to refuse to accept anything but the best from herself, with two strong air rifle scores and a nice first place finish at Ole Miss,” Monez said.
Against The Citadel last Sunday, TCU came out on top with a team score of 4,678. In air rifle, Miles finished far in front of the completion again, scoring a 598. The Frogs had the top nine shooters in the air rifle event.
Hankey finished second with a score of 591. Sophomore Barrett Ray ended with her highest match finish of the season, winning third place after shooting a 588.
In smallbore, Garner placed first with a 585. TCU as a team finished with the top 10 scores. Sally Li placed second with a score of 580.
Miles came in third after shooting a 576, tying the score fired by Hankey. Finishing up the top five was Hannah Black scoring a 575.
TCU plays its first home match Saturday when it hosts twelfth-ranked Nevada in the renovated TCU Rifle Range.
