Springer sixth, Kirk eleventh
BEND, OR. – The NMU women’s alpine ski team wrapped up the giant slalom from USCSA Nationals, with a pair of athletes being named All-Americans.
After all 143 skiers post a rune one result, the top 30 times from run one compete first to start the second run, beginning with the 30th fastest before finishing with the first fastest. Three Wildcats earned spots in the top 30 after the first run, those being Tommie Springer, Ainsley Kirk, and Reagan Olli.
Olli posted a result one time of 1:05.89 in her first run, sitting 14th heading into the afternoon runs. Olli got off to a flying start in run two, but unfortunately lost a ski halfway down the track, heartbreakingly ending her evening with a DNF.
A few skiers later, Kirk took the hill for her second run. Kirk posted the 11th fastest time in run one at 1:05.23, following it up with the 15th fastest run two time of 1:05.56, combining for 2:10.79. Kirk slotted into second-place at the time of finishing before ultimately finishing at 11th, earning herself a second-team All-America honor.
Springer was the final Wildcat to race on the evening. After cruising in round one with the fifth-fastest result time of 1:03.85, Springer then posted the 11th fastest run two time of the day at 1:04.78, slotting in at second place at the time of finishing with her combined time of 2:08.63. Springer would ultimately finish in sixth overall, earning a second-team All-America honor, narrowly missing a first-team All-American honor by 0.51 seconds.
It was heartbreak in the morning run for the ‘Cats, as both Maddy Stern and Ella Wichert DNF in their first respective runs.
The week continues with the men’s giant slalom tomorrow, with the race kicking off with first run’s starting at 12:20 p.m. ET (9:20 AM local time).
