Monday, January 4
Park City, UT
9 a.m.
Montana State University
at
Utah Invitational - Slalom
Sophomore Garret Driller
Photo by: Sam Wasson
Bobcat Skiers Record Three Top 10 Finishes on Opening Day
1/5/2016 9:52:00 AM | Skiing
Sophomore Garret Driller picked-up where he left off from a stellar freshman campaign last winter, placing fifth overall in the men’s slalom with a two-run total of 15:58.62. He was followed closely by David Neuhauser, who placed sixth in a clocking of 1:59.42.
The Montana State ski team opened its 2016 season in fine fashion as three Bobcats recorded top 10 finishes at the University of Utah Invitational, Monday in MSU's season opener at Park City Mountain Resort.
Sophomore Garret Driller picked-up where he left off from a stellar freshman campaign last winter, placing fifth overall in the men's slalom with a two-run total of 15:58.62. He was followed closely by David Neuhauser, who placed sixth in a clocking of 1:59.42.
The dynamic duo, who each garnered All-Rocky Mountain Intercollegiate Ski Association honors last season, combined for 56 points. MSU's third scorer was Jeffrey Bell, who finished 29th in a time of 2:08.76.
Rounding out the Bobcat men were Michael Radford, 31st, 2:09.59; Andrew Kircher, 32nd, 2:11.00; and Morten Bakke, 35th, 2:30.06.
"The first day at the Utah Invite was beautiful," said MSU Alpine Coach Kevin Francis. "The snow, however was challenging.
"Garret Driller and David Neuhauser skied smart races and were rewarded with top 10 finishes," Francis said. "Both have been tweaking their equipment through the early season races and finding their balance, but it all came together in the opening slalom race. I'm excited to see what they can do when the conditions are better. Michael Radford and Andrew Kircher put two runs in and finished, which was a victory in itself. I'm really excited about their prospects this year. Our freshmen, Morten Bakke and Jeff Bell, struggled but they have been two of our most consistent skiers through the early season so I expect them to bounce back for the giant slalom."
Erik Read of Denver won men's the individual slalom title in 1:56.86.
Sophomore Benedicte Lyche was MSU's top finisher on the women's side. Lyche, who earned Second-Team All-America honors last winter, placed ninth with a two-run clocking of 1:36.17.
Also scoring for the Bobcats were Kari Hole, 15th, 1:37.39; and Mia Henry, 19th, 1:38.69. Hole, a sophomore from Norway, clocked the fastest second run time in 47.82.
Montana State also had contributions from Stephanie Gartner, 20th, 1:38.85; Tenaya Driller, 21st, 1:40.90; Amanda Stelling, 23rd, 1:46.80; and Elizabeth Koprucki. Freshman Jocelyn McCarthy had the fourth fastest time after the opening run, but did not finish her second race of the day.
"The women's team had a good day overall with six in the top 25, but I'm guessing they are all disappointed," Francis said. "Jocelyn McCarthy came out in her first college race as a true freshman and was fourth on the first run. She was going even faster on the second run when she hooked a tip on a gate.
"The other girls had great runs or sections, but weren't able to put it all together," Francis said. "They are skiing well and we still had a lot of girls in the points so things are really looking good for the season."
Kristine Haugen of Denver won the women's slalom crown in 1:33.72.
After the opening day, Denver sits atop the team standings with 186 points, followed by Colorado 149, Westminster 147, Montana State 119, Utah 114, New Mexico 104, Alaska Anchorage 87, Colorado Mountain College 19 and Wyoming 0.
The Utah Invitational continues with the men's giant slalom on Tuesday.
Montana State will host its own MSU Invitational, beginning with the alpine events, Jan. 9-11 at Big Sky Ski Resort.
Sophomore Garret Driller picked-up where he left off from a stellar freshman campaign last winter, placing fifth overall in the men's slalom with a two-run total of 15:58.62. He was followed closely by David Neuhauser, who placed sixth in a clocking of 1:59.42.
The dynamic duo, who each garnered All-Rocky Mountain Intercollegiate Ski Association honors last season, combined for 56 points. MSU's third scorer was Jeffrey Bell, who finished 29th in a time of 2:08.76.
Rounding out the Bobcat men were Michael Radford, 31st, 2:09.59; Andrew Kircher, 32nd, 2:11.00; and Morten Bakke, 35th, 2:30.06.
"The first day at the Utah Invite was beautiful," said MSU Alpine Coach Kevin Francis. "The snow, however was challenging.
"Garret Driller and David Neuhauser skied smart races and were rewarded with top 10 finishes," Francis said. "Both have been tweaking their equipment through the early season races and finding their balance, but it all came together in the opening slalom race. I'm excited to see what they can do when the conditions are better. Michael Radford and Andrew Kircher put two runs in and finished, which was a victory in itself. I'm really excited about their prospects this year. Our freshmen, Morten Bakke and Jeff Bell, struggled but they have been two of our most consistent skiers through the early season so I expect them to bounce back for the giant slalom."
Erik Read of Denver won men's the individual slalom title in 1:56.86.
Sophomore Benedicte Lyche was MSU's top finisher on the women's side. Lyche, who earned Second-Team All-America honors last winter, placed ninth with a two-run clocking of 1:36.17.
Also scoring for the Bobcats were Kari Hole, 15th, 1:37.39; and Mia Henry, 19th, 1:38.69. Hole, a sophomore from Norway, clocked the fastest second run time in 47.82.
Montana State also had contributions from Stephanie Gartner, 20th, 1:38.85; Tenaya Driller, 21st, 1:40.90; Amanda Stelling, 23rd, 1:46.80; and Elizabeth Koprucki. Freshman Jocelyn McCarthy had the fourth fastest time after the opening run, but did not finish her second race of the day.
"The women's team had a good day overall with six in the top 25, but I'm guessing they are all disappointed," Francis said. "Jocelyn McCarthy came out in her first college race as a true freshman and was fourth on the first run. She was going even faster on the second run when she hooked a tip on a gate.
"The other girls had great runs or sections, but weren't able to put it all together," Francis said. "They are skiing well and we still had a lot of girls in the points so things are really looking good for the season."
Kristine Haugen of Denver won the women's slalom crown in 1:33.72.
After the opening day, Denver sits atop the team standings with 186 points, followed by Colorado 149, Westminster 147, Montana State 119, Utah 114, New Mexico 104, Alaska Anchorage 87, Colorado Mountain College 19 and Wyoming 0.
The Utah Invitational continues with the men's giant slalom on Tuesday.
Montana State will host its own MSU Invitational, beginning with the alpine events, Jan. 9-11 at Big Sky Ski Resort.
Wednesday, June 10
Thursday, November 12
Saturday, March 10
Thursday, March 08
