Utah Sweeps Women’s Classical Podium at UAF Invitational

Tuesday, February 1

Fairbanks, Alaska

All Day

University of Utah

5K Freestyle (T)

UAF Invitational - Women's CL - Feb. 1, 2022

Utah Sweeps Women’s Classical Podium at UAF Invitational

2/1/2022 7:32 PM | Skiing

Results Photo Gallery Photo Gallery

Palmer-Leger earns fourth win of season; Dengerud hits first podium as a Ute

Note: An earlier version of race results listed Utah with a 24.5-point lead on Colorado in the team standings following classic races. A correction to results changed that lead to 14.5 points, though Utah's total of 185 points is unchanged.

FAIRBANKS, Alaska – Persevering through sub-zero temperatures, the Utah ski team had another sweep of the women's podium and three Utes in the men's top-10 in Monday's 5K classical races during the Alaska Fairbanks Invitational at Birch Hill.

Sydney Palmer-Leger picked up her fourth college win of the season in the women's 5K, with Julia Richter taking second and Karianne Dengerud hitting her first collegiate podium with a third-place effort. It's the third Nordic podium sweep of the season for the Utes, coming on the heels of both the 5K freestyle and 10K classical at the Montana State Invitational (Jan. 15-16).

Following Monday's races, which were a team start format, Utah leads the standings with 185 points and holds a 14.5-point lead on Colorado in second place.

"There were very cold conditions for today's races," said director of skiing Fredrik Landstedt. "Nevertheless, the women came through and skied a great race. Going 1-2-3 once again is just amazing. The men had a good race as well. It was their first time this year skiing a 5K, and harder for some to adjust. Our freshmen boys showed the way and once again had outstanding performances."

Walker Hall led the charge in sixth in the men's 5K classical, followed up in seventh by Brian Bushey and Bjørn Riksaasen in ninth. In 11^th place was Samuel Hendry, just six-tenths of a second from a top-10 tally. Noel Keeffe tabbed 21^st to wrap up the afternoon.

Abby Jarzin added an 11^th-place finish on the women's side and Ezra Smith rounded out the Utes in 18^th.

Head Nordic coach Miles Havlick added, "It was great to have Sydney in the top spot again, and having Julia and Karianne joining on the podium as well, is a good indication that they are coming into form. Our men's team was slightly off the pace of Denver and Colorado today, but that's how the team starts go sometimes. Walker and Brian brought the team into the finish with very strong efforts. All in all, we are in great start spots to hunt down the leaders in tomorrow's pursuit!"

Monday's results continue to emanate a theme of strong and talented depth across the Utes. Utah is currently without the Nordic services of Luke Jager, Sophia Laukli and Novie McCabe, all of whom are currently preparing to represent Team USA at the Olympics in Beijing. That trio are part of a larger group of 12 current and former ski Utes named to Olympic rosters for the 2022 Winter Games.

The Alaska Fairbanks Invitational is a Nordic-only meet and will conclude on Wednesday with a freestyle pursuit start.

Follow the Utes on social media (@utahskiteam).

Gallery: (2-1-2022) Skiing: UAF Invitational CL (2/1/22)