Saturday, September 26
Oxford, Miss.
9 a.m.
UT Martin
at
Ole Miss
Skyhawks Begin 2026-27 Rifle Season at Ole Miss Saturday
9/25/2026 3:30:00 PM | Rifle
MARTIN, Tenn. – The 2026-27 University of Tennessee at Martin rifle season begins Saturday when the Skyhawks travel to Oxford, Mississippi, to take on Ole Miss and Ohio State.
This marks year two at the helm for head coach Alayna Walthers, who will guide an even mix of experience this season with three returners and three newcomers on the roster.
"I am so excited about the group we have this year," said Walther. "There is a good mix of returning athletes and new faces that I think will bring a lot to the program. The talent within this team is unmatched and I'm looking forward to seeing how they continue to grow and push each other throughout the season. I think we have a lot of potential and I'm excited to see what we can accomplish together this year."
Last year's leading scorer for the Skyhawks, junior Sophia Ashford, returns after her inaugural campaign with the team saw her earn All-OVC accolades in smallbore and OVC All-Newcomer honors in smallbore and air rifle. She is joined with fellow returners, junior Rachel Haines and sophomore Olivia Harvey, who was also an OVC All-Newcomer selection in smallbore and air rifle. Ian Lyons joins the UT Martin rifle team after spending his freshman year at North Georgia, as do freshmen Katie Peay and Zachary Brenner.
After beginning their season at Ole Miss, the Skyhawks will travel to OVC rival Morehead State for a pair of back-to-back matches on Oct. 23-24. In November, UT Martin heads to its other OVC rival Murray State Nov. 8 and then returns to Skyhawk Rife Range to host Memphis Nov. 15.
Following the semester break, UT Martin resumes competition at Murray State Jan. 16, followed by a pair of matches against UAB. The Skyhawks host the Blazers Jan. 22, then travel to Murray State Jan. 23 for a neutral site match. The 2026-27 regular season comes to a close for UT Martin Jan. 30 at Jacksonville State.
The 2027 Ohio Valley Conference Rifle Championship takes place Feb. 6-7 at Morehead State, followed by the annual NCAA Qualifier Feb. 20 at Murray State.
This marks year two at the helm for head coach Alayna Walthers, who will guide an even mix of experience this season with three returners and three newcomers on the roster.
"I am so excited about the group we have this year," said Walther. "There is a good mix of returning athletes and new faces that I think will bring a lot to the program. The talent within this team is unmatched and I'm looking forward to seeing how they continue to grow and push each other throughout the season. I think we have a lot of potential and I'm excited to see what we can accomplish together this year."
Last year's leading scorer for the Skyhawks, junior Sophia Ashford, returns after her inaugural campaign with the team saw her earn All-OVC accolades in smallbore and OVC All-Newcomer honors in smallbore and air rifle. She is joined with fellow returners, junior Rachel Haines and sophomore Olivia Harvey, who was also an OVC All-Newcomer selection in smallbore and air rifle. Ian Lyons joins the UT Martin rifle team after spending his freshman year at North Georgia, as do freshmen Katie Peay and Zachary Brenner.
After beginning their season at Ole Miss, the Skyhawks will travel to OVC rival Morehead State for a pair of back-to-back matches on Oct. 23-24. In November, UT Martin heads to its other OVC rival Murray State Nov. 8 and then returns to Skyhawk Rife Range to host Memphis Nov. 15.
Following the semester break, UT Martin resumes competition at Murray State Jan. 16, followed by a pair of matches against UAB. The Skyhawks host the Blazers Jan. 22, then travel to Murray State Jan. 23 for a neutral site match. The 2026-27 regular season comes to a close for UT Martin Jan. 30 at Jacksonville State.
The 2027 Ohio Valley Conference Rifle Championship takes place Feb. 6-7 at Morehead State, followed by the annual NCAA Qualifier Feb. 20 at Murray State.
Players Mentioned
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