COLORADO – Ainsley Proffit finished fourth in the slalom to lead the University of Alaska ski team at the DU Invite Saturday.
Proffit posted the fifth-fastest second run to finish fourth overall in 1:31.47.
Ella Bromee ripped the second-fastest second run to finish 13th in 1:32.84.
All five UAA women finished in the top-25 today as Carmen Nielssen was 14th (1:32.85), Alyssa Hill 17th (1:33.27) and Ashleigh Aleander 22nd (1:33.80).
Leon Nikic led the Seawolves in the men's slalom placing seventh (1:32.39). Jan Ronner and Hunter Eid finished 24th (1:34.57) and 25th (1:34.58).
"Fantastic day for the ladies," said head coach Sparky Anderson. "Ainsley in fourth is big. She's pushing toward the podium. Ella had a big mistake on the first run, but kept hammering. On the second run she showed the field what she's capable of with the second fastest time. Alyssa skied great first run but took a bit too much risk with the line on the second run. Carmen had a good day and moved up the seed board with a solid top-15 finish. Ash is skiing well, just needs to find another gear.
"Great to see Leon back in the top 10. Hunter and Jan are both in the mix and an adjustment or two away from doing some really cool things. Tomorrow is our last day of a five-week road trip. We're a bit crispy but ready to give it all we got on super Sunday."
Sara Rask of Denver won the women's race (1:30.29), and Willhelm Normannseth of Utah won the men's (1:30.61).
Pascale Paradis and Magnus Noroey each finished 15th in the 10-kilometer classic races.
Paradis crossed the line in a time of 41:03, and Noroey finished in a time of 33:38.
Three men finished in the top-20, Ari Endestad 18th (33:56), Matt Seline 19th (34:20) and Peter Hinds 20th (34:35).
"We had a good day on Friday, but today was a rough day for us," said associate head coach Trond Flagstad. "We are looking forward to a week of training in Anchorage before our home meet at Kincaid and regionals at the Government Peak ski trails. A week to recover and sharpen our fitness to make sure we qualify six skiers to the NCAA National Championships in March."
Novie McCabe of Utah won the women's race (36:22), and Andreas Kirkeng of Denver won the men's race (31.36).
UAA currently sits in fifth place out of 10 teams with 326 points.
The DU Invite will conclude Sunday with the slalom races.
