STOWE, VERMONT – The University of Denver ski team competed in day three of the NCAA Championships on Friday, skiing the women's 15K and men's 20K. Senior Jasmi Joensuu record her second All-American finish of the championships and led DU with an eighth place finish.
Denver (272 total points) sits in fifth place behind Vermont (350 total points), Dartmouth (359 total points), Colorado (361 total points) and Utah (426.5 total points).
"This was a hard day for the team and we didn't perform at the level we had prepared for," said head coach Dave Stewart. "Both Jasmi and Eivind had good energy and strong races, but overall as a team we seemed tired and flat today, and that's easy to see in the results. In our sport, we need to push our limits in training to improve and win. But the knife cuts both ways and sometimes the training can be too much, or perhaps not at just the right time and instead of being at your best for the biggest races you can be at your worst. It's frustrating when it goes that way, but it's part of the gamble we make when we take a risk to win."
WOMEN'S 15K: Joensuu, who took second place in the 5K on Wednesday responded with an eighth place finish on Friday, gaining 23 points for Denver. Fellow senior, Taeler McCrerey finished 29th for the Pioneers and rounded out the team scoring, gaining two points for DU.
"Today was another tough day out there," said Joensuu. "I was able to race well again today which I am happy about. Going into today I knew that this would be my last college race so I wanted to give it my all. Overall, I am satisfied with the week and I'm excited to cheer for our alpine team tomorrow."
MEN'S 20K: On the men's side Coach Stewart's squad had one point scorers, as Eivind Kvaale took 12th to gain 19 team points. Â
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