Flanders is All-American in Freestyle

MIDWAY, Utah – Alice Flanders, of the Michigan Tech Nordic ski team, wrapped up the 2014 NCAA Skiing Championships with an All-American performance in the women's 15-kilometer mass start freestyle race. She finished 10th overall.

"Alice had a heck of a race," Tech coach Joe Haggenmiller said. "She battled the whole race. At one point she was back in 15th and clawed her way into the top 10. I'm just so proud of her."

Flanders becomes only the second female Nordic skiing All-American at Tech. Kristina Owen (2004-07) was the first.

Flanders crossed the line in 41:40.2. She was 85 seconds behind National Champion Eva Severrus from New Mexico.

"What a great way for us to end the season," added Haggenmiller. "Our whole region did outstanding today, and it was just an all around fun weekend."

Flanders earned 21 points with her finish on Saturday to put Tech in 18th place. Alpine and Nordic events are combined in the team scores. Tech finished ahead of St. Michael's, Bowdoin, Plymouth State, Bates and St. Lawrence.

Start times were adjusted due to high temperatures. The morning's Nordic events were held in temperatures in the low 40s with plenty of sunshine.

The NCAA Central Region had 11 total All-Americans on the weekend. The Denver Pioneers captured their 22nd overall team title.