Myrseth Wins, Ute Skiing Earns Four Podium Finishes During Freestyle Sprint in Alaska

Tuesday, February 7

Anchorage, Alaska

All Day

University of Utah

Seawolf Invitational (Freestyle Sprints)

Myrseth Wins, Ute Skiing Earns Four Podium Finishes During Freestyle Sprint in Alaska

2/7/2017 7:37 PM | Skiing

Seawolf Invite Freestyle Results

ANCHORAGE – Merete Myrseth earned her first career victory and four Utah skiers picked up podium finishes during the freestyle sprint on the first day of the Nordic portion of the Seawolf Invitational, held in Kincaid Park in Anchorage, Alaska. The Utes had the high point total in both the men's and women's races to take over the overall meet lead with 510 points.

Myrseth has finished in the top five in all three races she has competed in RMISA competition this season. Guro Jordheim earned second for her second career podium finish. Leah Lange was Utah's third scorer in 11^th with Josefin Nilsson placing 12^th. Natalia Muller Müller finished 14^th for the Utes. Utah scored 97 points to lead all teams.

"We had an awesome day today," said Myrseth and Jordheim. "Body felt good, and our skis were fast. We discussed the course tactics with each other before the race. The tactic was to ski smart in the beginning of the race and not use too much energy, and in the last part just go for it. Super fun that it worked each time in every heat. We're super happy standing on the podium together, and to put Utah into the leading position before the last race. We're also very impressed by the boys that got five within the top eight."

The men's squad came away with 102 total points led by a second-place finish for Kevin Bolger, his fifth podium of the year. Martin Bergström earned his first podium of the year with a third-place run, while Logan Diekmann picked up fourth for his best career finish. Jacob Engström placed seventh for his first career top 10 with Martin Mikkelsen eighth for his third top 10 of the year. Oscar Ivars placed 25^th.

"A long but awesome day of sprinting," Bolger said. "The whole team crushed it, putting five guys all the way to the semifinals. I'm really happy with my result. I didn't feel the best this morning so to finish the day off as the second college guy I'm very happy!! The team is looking super strong and that fires me up!"

"We had a great day in the Alaskan sun," Bergstroem said. "For me it's so sweet to make a first podium finish and even better to share it with teammates! All in all just an awesome day for the Utes!"

Utah leads Denver (434 points) and Montana State (421) as the top three of the Seawolf Invitational. The final event is Wednesday, Feb. 8, with the 4x5-km classic mixed relay.