CHARLESTON, S.C. – After having the season opener pushed back a week due to the threat of Hurricane Florence, The Citadel rifle team will open the 2018-19 season this weekend on the road at rival VMI.

The Bulldogs finished the 2017-18 campaign ranked 21^st in the nation after finishing second in the 2018 Southern Conference Championships while the Keydets start the season ranked 25^th.

The two military institutions have developed a friendly rivalry in rifle over the years that sees the winning team of their matches holding on to the other's range flag during the regular season. The VMI flag currently hangs in head coach Richie Parra's office and the winner of Saturday's match will hold on to the other's flag until the two meet again on Saturday, Jan. 26 in Charleston.

"We are very excited to finally get the season started," Parra said. "We have had some very good practices this week and the team has looked good and said they felt good. It appears the break last week was just what they needed, and we are excited to get up there and compete."

The Citadel's co-ed team will be comprised of seniors Allison Auten, Tommy Simrill and Leah Wallace, junior Alexander McAlear, sophomore Max Brabston and freshmen Izzie Blystone and Emily Perkins.

Fans can follow all the action from Lexington, Va. live at CitadelSports.com.

The Citadel concluded the 2017-18 season by hosting the 2018 National Collegiate Men's and Women's Rifle Championships at McAlister Field House. The Citadel also hosted the Southern Conference Championships for the second straight season and placed second overall with Auten claiming the individual air rifle crown. Auten, McAlear and Brabston each earned All-SoCon honors and Brabston was named the SoCon Freshman of the Year. The Bulldogs' co-ed team collected 14 head-to-head wins during the season and wrapped up the season ranked 21^st in the nation.

For more information on The Citadel rifle team, please visit CitadelSports.com or follow @citadel_rifle and @CitadelSports on Twitter.