The University of Akron Athletics
Andreoli Earns At-Large Selection to NCAA Rifle Championships
February 23 | Rifle
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NCAA RIFLE CHAMPIONSHIP RELEASE |Â 2020-21 AKRON STATISTICS (PDF) | AKRON 2020-21 SCHEDULE
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AKRON, Ohio - University of Akron freshman Kayla Andreoli (Washington, Pa.) will culminate her rookie campaign on the biggest stage as she garnered an at-large selection to compete in the air rifle at the NCAA Rifle Championships, March 12-13, in Columbus, Ohio, when the tournament pairings were unveiled on Tuesday, Feb. 23.
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Andreoli earns the distinction of becoming the fifth Akron Zip to qualify as an at-large individual selection for the NCAA Championships, joining junior teammate Andre Gross (Webster, N.Y.) (2019), Matt Chezem (2015), Sarah Benjamin (2010) and Jenna Compton (2009).
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Additionally, senior Wyatt Openshaw (Parkton, Md.) was selected as an alternate in the smallbore competition.
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"Getting invited to the NCAA's could not have happened to a better or more deserving member of our team," Akron head coach Newt Engle commented. "Kayla is truly a team player, who is always looking for what is best for the team. This includes helping others as much as it includes being one of the best athletes we have. Last year at this time, Kayla was on our recruit list teetering on getting an invite to join the Zips' squad. Both Coach O'Mara and I saw something in Kayla leading us to believe she may not have had the scores we wanted, but she definitely had the drive and commitment to working hard. Being a dedicated athlete is something it is hard to teach someone. It seems they either have it or they don't, and we thought Kayla had what was needed to succeed. Thus, from the beginning of the season, Kayla has been getting better and better with nearly every match. Her skills peaking at the right time to earn her this coveted individual invite."
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"On my high school graduation cap, I had the words "Shoot for the Stars," said Andreoli. "When I go to a match, I think of that and simply do the best I can do. This time it paid off and I'm so thrilled to get to represent Akron at the NCAA's."
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Andreoli has registered 583.41 average on the campaign in the air rifle, while posting a 576.31 average in the smallbore rifle. Collectively, she maintains a 1159.63 aggregate average in the combined disciplines.
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A year ago, the Zips earned their first-ever team berth in the NCAA Championships, but were unable to compete after the meet was canceled due to COVID-19.
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In 2019, Gross garnered All-America accolades after placing second in the air rifle at the NCAA Championships in Morgantown, W.Va.
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The Great America Rifle Conference (GARC) rifle championships are up next for the Zips this Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 27-28. Akron will battle against eight of the top-ranked teams in the nation for the GARC Championship. Smallbore will be fought out Saturday, finishing up with air rifle on Sunday. Competition will take place virtually this season and get underway each day at 9 a.m.Â
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NCAA RIFLE CHAMPIONSHIP RELEASE |Â 2020-21 AKRON STATISTICS (PDF) | AKRON 2020-21 SCHEDULE
Â
AKRON, Ohio - University of Akron freshman Kayla Andreoli (Washington, Pa.) will culminate her rookie campaign on the biggest stage as she garnered an at-large selection to compete in the air rifle at the NCAA Rifle Championships, March 12-13, in Columbus, Ohio, when the tournament pairings were unveiled on Tuesday, Feb. 23.
Â
Andreoli earns the distinction of becoming the fifth Akron Zip to qualify as an at-large individual selection for the NCAA Championships, joining junior teammate Andre Gross (Webster, N.Y.) (2019), Matt Chezem (2015), Sarah Benjamin (2010) and Jenna Compton (2009).
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Additionally, senior Wyatt Openshaw (Parkton, Md.) was selected as an alternate in the smallbore competition.
Â
"Getting invited to the NCAA's could not have happened to a better or more deserving member of our team," Akron head coach Newt Engle commented. "Kayla is truly a team player, who is always looking for what is best for the team. This includes helping others as much as it includes being one of the best athletes we have. Last year at this time, Kayla was on our recruit list teetering on getting an invite to join the Zips' squad. Both Coach O'Mara and I saw something in Kayla leading us to believe she may not have had the scores we wanted, but she definitely had the drive and commitment to working hard. Being a dedicated athlete is something it is hard to teach someone. It seems they either have it or they don't, and we thought Kayla had what was needed to succeed. Thus, from the beginning of the season, Kayla has been getting better and better with nearly every match. Her skills peaking at the right time to earn her this coveted individual invite."
Â
"On my high school graduation cap, I had the words "Shoot for the Stars," said Andreoli. "When I go to a match, I think of that and simply do the best I can do. This time it paid off and I'm so thrilled to get to represent Akron at the NCAA's."
Â
Andreoli has registered 583.41 average on the campaign in the air rifle, while posting a 576.31 average in the smallbore rifle. Collectively, she maintains a 1159.63 aggregate average in the combined disciplines.
Â
A year ago, the Zips earned their first-ever team berth in the NCAA Championships, but were unable to compete after the meet was canceled due to COVID-19.
Â
In 2019, Gross garnered All-America accolades after placing second in the air rifle at the NCAA Championships in Morgantown, W.Va.
Â
The Great America Rifle Conference (GARC) rifle championships are up next for the Zips this Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 27-28. Akron will battle against eight of the top-ranked teams in the nation for the GARC Championship. Smallbore will be fought out Saturday, finishing up with air rifle on Sunday. Competition will take place virtually this season and get underway each day at 9 a.m.Â
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