NCAA: Vermont seizes lead at home carnival

A sweep of the nordic podium by Dartmouth women was not enough to give the Big Green the lead after the first day of competition at the University of Vermont Carnival in Stowe.  Strong alpine finishes boosted UVM to an early lead on home courses.
STOWE, Vermont — A sweep of the nordic podium by Dartmouth women was not enough to give the Big Green the lead after the first day of competition at the University of Vermont Carnival in Stowe. Strong alpine finishes boosted UVM to an early lead on home courses.
    Bogner points leader Ida Sargent took an early lead in the 10 kilometer classical event and never looked back, opening a nearly 45-second gap by the end of the race. Big Green teammates Rosie Brennan and Susan Dunklee rounded out the top three, and gave the Dartmouth women an easy victory over Middlebury in the team standings.  Williams currently stands in third place.
    On the men’s side, Bogner points leader Juergen Uhl mounted a come-from-behind victory in the final 100 meters to overtake Dartmouth skier Glenn Randall.  Randall led much of the race but couldn’t match strides with Uhl at the end and finished second. Middlebury’s Simeon Hamilton took third.
    Alpine racing at Stowe Mountain was dominated by the host Catamounts, who took victories in men’s and women’s team scores.  
Jilyne McDonald of UVM notched her fist win of the season, beating Lindsay Kraft for the top podium spot. Catamount Kara Crow took third, helping Vermont beat out Middlebury and the University of New Hampshire.
    UVM also took the victory in men’s giant slalom competition, topping Middlebury and Williams, who tied for second.  Colby men skied to a season high fourth.
    Individual honors in Friday’s men’s giant slalom race went to Bogner points leader Charles Christianson, who has now won two consecutive GS races.  Christianson edged three UVM skiers for the win, including Ethan Korpi and Greg Hardy, who finished second and third.
    Current overall team scores are as follows after the first day of racing: University of Vermont (324 points), Middlebury (313 points), Dartmouth (308 points).
    Racing continues Saturday in Stowe with the alpine slalom events and nordic sprint races, where UVM will look to maintain its lead for its first win of the season.
    Information about the remaining schedule, and full results and team standings can be found at www.eisasking.org .