NORTHFIELD, Vt. - The Norwich University rifle team opened its 2026-27 campaign on Saturday afternoon, hosting Mid-Atlantic Rifle Conference (MAC) rival Massachusetts Institute of Technology at Baroffio's Rifle Range.
MIT claimed the season-opening match by a 4433-4299 aggregate score, earning advantages in both disciplines. The Engineers posted a 2147-2084 edge in smallbore before taking air rifle by a 2286-2215 margin.
Freshman Meryah White turned in an impressive collegiate debut as part of Norwich's scoring lineup, recording a 1082 aggregate behind a 538 in smallbore and a 544 in air rifle.
Sophomore Meghan Smith posted the highest overall aggregate among Norwich competitors, finishing at an even 1100. Smith recorded a 537 in smallbore before turning in a 563 performance in air rifle.
Norwich also received steady production throughout its smallbore lineup. Senior Ben Kelley and junior Makeda Watson each fired matching scores of 532, giving the Cadets additional depth in the opening discipline.
In air rifle, sophomore Katie Gillooly paced Norwich's scoring group with a 561. Senior Sage Kontny and junior Alma Negrete followed with matching 552 scores, while Magali Delarosa Cuenca finished close behind at 550.
MIT was led by junior Eleanor Yang, who produced the top individual performance of the afternoon. Yang established a Baroffio's Rifle Range record with a 587 in air rifle and added a match-best 550 in smallbore, giving her a 1137 aggregate to lead all competitors.
NORWICH LEADERS:
The Cadets will return to competition on Sunday, Oct. 4, traveling to West Point, N.Y., for a four-team match against defending national champion West Virginia University, John Jay College, and the United States Coast Guard Academy.
Norwich's matchup with Coast Guard will also count toward the Cadets' Mid-Atlantic Rifle Conference schedule.
