Flanders Claims NCAA Regional Title

NCAA Central Region Freestyle Results: Women's 5K | Men's 10K

ISHPEMING, Mich. — Alice Flanders claimed the NCAA Central Regional title in the women's five-kilometer freestyle today at Al Quaal. Haakon Hjelstuen also earned a spot on the podium with a third-place result in the men's 10K freestyle.

Flanders, a 2014 All-American, posted a time of 15:09 for a three-second victory over the second-place finisher, Jordyn Ross of Northern Michigan. Tech's Deedra Irwin was ninth in the race in 15:54 to earn all-region honors. Ulrika Axelsson and Sonja Hedblom were 19th and 20th, respectively, with times of 16:24 and 16:30.

Hjelstuen turned in a 24:01 clocking in the men's 10K, 36 seconds back of first but only three behind second place. The Huskies' next four men finished between 15 and 20. Tom Bye had an early crash and equipment problems but finished 15th in 25:43. Thomas Kendrick was 16th two seconds later. Kyle Hanson (19th, 26:01) and Sam Holmes (20th, 26:15) were the other two.

"I'm really proud of Alice," said Tech coach Joe Haggenmiller. "She skied an awesome race today.

"Haakon also put himself in good position to qualify for NCAA Nationals with his podium finish.

"Other than Alice, I think there's room for everyone to step up their results tomorrow during the classic races."

The women's team sits in third place while the men are fourth after day one of the NCAA Central Region Championships. Day two tomorrow (Mar. 1) will feature the men's 20K classic race at 10 a.m. and the women's 15K classic race at 12:30 p.m.