RENO, Nev. – The 15th ranked University of Nevada rifle team won its home opener 4662-4602 over No. 20 UTEP on Sunday by a score of 4662-4602.  The Wolf Pack won Saturday's smallbore competition 2308-2273 and completed the win with a 2354-2329 victory in air rifle on Sunday.  All three scores were season bests for the Pack.
 
"Mitchell had another great air rifle score with his 595 and was strong with a 586 in smallbore," head coach Fred Harvey said.  "Rachel shot a very strong match while Andrew had a good start in his first varsity match."
 
Senior Mitchell Van once again led the way posting the top scores in air rifle (595), smallbore (586) and aggregate (1181) which combines the two events.  The 595 in air rifle tied his career high which he also had against the Miners last weekend in El Paso, Texas.  The 586 in smallbore is a season best while the 1181 aggregate score is also season high and one point short of his career best.
 
Junior Rachel Benesh finished third in all three events posting season-highs.  In air rifle she posted a 587, shot 576 in smallbore and had a 1163 aggregate score. 
 
A newcomer to the lineup was freshman Andrew Pham who was second in air rifle with a 589 and fourth in in smallbore shooting 574.  Pham's aggregate scored of 1163 was also fourth.
 
Competing in smallbore, freshman Tio Brody placed fifth with his 572 giving the Pack four of the top shooters in the event. 
 
Sophomore Nadine Ahola had three seventh place finishes on the weekend.  Ahola shot 567 in smallbore, 583 in air rifle and posted a 1150 aggregate score.
 
Shooting for the first time this season, Brianna Citrigno was ninth in smallbore with a 559 and freshman Sara Benesh was ninth in air rifle posting a 581.  It was the only event in which each of them competed in the two-day match.
  
Nevada steps away from collegiate competition next weekend as the freshmen will shoot in the Junior Olympic Qualifier that will be held at home.  The next collegiate match is Nov. 10 at Ohio State.