Record-setting day elevates Tigers to first NCAA appearance in seven years

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Ranked sixth nationally in the upcoming NCAA Championships after today's NCAA Selection Show, the Memphis Tigers rifle team is heading back to the NCAAs for the first time in seven years.

The No. 6 spot is the highest national ranking the Tigers have ever received at the conclusion of the season. The Tigers and the rest of the NCAA field of eight teams, along with a number of individual selections, will compete March 12-13 in Columbus, Ohio.

The Tigers concluded their regular season in record-setting fashion, breaking two team records as well as an individual record Monday at the NCAA Qualifiers in Murray, Ky.

The team shot a new aggregate team record of 4,698 and a new team smallbore record of 2,332. Sophomore Taylor Gibson continued her stellar season by setting the new individual smallbore record of 590 out of a possible 600 points.

Fourth-year head coach Dan Hermsmeier was the Tigers' senior captain the last time the team qualified for the NCAA Championships in 2014.

"It has been one of my primary goals since arriving back in Memphis to help elevate the team to championship-level status, and it's a good feeling to check that box," Hermsmeier said. "The team and staff have worked hard this year, and we are all excited to compete and coach at the next level."

Up next before the NCAA Championships, the Tigers will compete in their virtual conference championships Saturday and Sunday.

Record-setting day elevates Tigers to first NCAA appearance in seven years

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Players Mentioned

Taylor Gibson

University of Memphis Athletics