Oakley takes first career win

By Published On: January 10th, 2015Comments Off on Oakley takes first career win

Moguls veteran K.C. Oakley started her day by learning she was going to World Championships next week. It ended with her career-first World Cup win, throwing down a stunning run to upset Canada’s Dufour-Lapointe sisters with a huge three-point victory in front of a packed hometown crowd at Deer Valley Resort. Patrick Deneen scored his first podium of the season finishing third behind Canada’s Mikael Kingsbury.

“This is just so fun,” said Oakley.  “I’m really just weirded out right now, not too sure about what’s going on, but it’s awesome. I just got told I was going to Worlds yesterday, so this has been a great couple days. I’m processing it still, and we still have one more day of competition, so maybe things can get even better!”

A four-year veteran of the U.S. Ski Team, Oakley had only one previous podium – a third from 2012 in Calgary. She missed the Sochi Olympics with an injury and then dislocated her ankle in a freak accident in the spring, but has come back strong this season.

“Coming back from injury, it was just about getting back out there. I love this course, especially at night. I know speed is always on my side, so I went for it. My runs weren’t perfectly clean, but I just went for speed and it worked out,” said Oakley.

Oakley was second in the first round of finals behind Justine Dufour-Lapointe to make it into the round of six. Saving her best for last, she skied the fastest run of the day, also winning on turns and air, to take a strong three-point margin over the Canadian, capping it off with a massive back layout off the bottom air.

Deneen broke onto the podium with a strong, fast run, but was unable to knock of Kingsbury and second place Matt Graham of Australia.

“It feels awesome to be part of what has been a very successful weekend for the U.S. Freestyle Ski Team,” said Deneen. “Any time you’re at Deer Valley and can get on the podium, it’s an incredible feeling. We had a big crowd tonight and it’s fun to ski in front of that many people.”

Hannah Kearney, who has dominated on the Deer Valley hill, went off course on the top jump in her qualifying round and failed to make it into the finals. She dropped from the World Cup lead to third in the standings.

The U.S. women had an additional six finish in the top 20, with Morgan Schild in only her second World Cup finishing eighth. Ali Kariotis was 13th, Mikaela Matthews 15th, Keaton McCargo 17th, Sophia Schwartz 18th, and Nessa Dziemian 19th.

The men ended the evening with four in the top-10, including Deneen. Sho Kashima finished fifth, Bryon Wilson ninth, and Troy Murphy 10th.

“Tonight we saw some really nice results from our younger skiers with expected results from some of our veterans. Overall it was a great night for the team and we are looking forward to duals tomorrow,” said moguls coach Matt Gnoza.

The event wraps up Saturday night with dual moguls.

Release courtesy of USSA

 

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