EISA, UNH host small-scale carnival

The Eastern Intercollegiate Ski Association (EISA) kicked off its season with doubleheader slaloms at the University of New Hampshire (UNH) carnival at Mittersill, Cannon Mountain on Jan. 21 and 22. The event came together quickly, announced by UNH in a press release on Jan. 19 and commencing two days later.

The men opened the series on Thursday with two back-to-back slalom races. University of Vermont (UVM) senior David Frisk had a strong start to the day, leading by a half-second over a strong team of UNH skiers, Peder Nersnaes, Dawson Hill, and Marius Solbakken. Going into the second run, a number of athletes had a shot at the top spot, including Saint Lawrence University skier Brian Seltzer. Ultimately, it was Frisk who was able to capitalize on his first run lead and take the top spot. UNH skiers Peder Nersnaes and Marius Solbakken took second and third place.

UNH skier Will Brunaeu-Bouchard laid down the fastest first-run time in front of the first race winner Frisk and teammate Corey McConville. Frisk pulled once again into the top spot with Bruneau-Bouchard and McConville of UNH finishing 2-3, giving UNH the first-day lead with 217 points. 

On Friday, the women took to Mittersill for a double-header slalom. The race was a battle between UVM senior Francesca English and Plymouth State University (PSU) junior Mathilde Nelles for the top spot. English opened the first run leading Nelles by 0.86 seconds. Nelles made up substantial ground in the second run, but finished just 0.15 behind English in second. It was her first collegiate competition. 

In the second race, Nelles got her revenge, building a lead of 0.60 seconds ahead of English after the first run. Nelles posted the fastest second run, as well, increasing her lead by more than 1.60 seconds ahead of English. Yet it was UNH who extended its overall lead with strong skiing from the ladies. Senior Rachel Nawrocki finished third in back-to-back races, followed by her teammate Fanny Sanderberg who notched fourth- and fifth-place results on Friday to help the Wildcats clinch the top overall spot. 

The EISA teams will next compete at Stowe Mountain Feb. 4-5. for FIS University races before the next carnival scheduled Feb. 25-26, hosted by Saint Lawrence at Whiteface Mountain. 

Team standings:

1. New Hampshire (465)
2. Plymouth State  (452)
3. St. Lawrence (377)
4. Boston College (297)
5. Vermont (293)