ISHPEMING, Mich. – Today was the opening day of the NCAA Central Regional Championship for cross country skiing.  The women competed in the 5K freestyle race.  NMU had four of the top finishers and five of the top six skiers.

Lindsay Williams won the event with a time of 17:39.0.  Second was Lindsey Weier (17:58.8) as she was followed by Morgan Smyth (17:59.8) and Maria Stuber (18:06.9).  Anna Coulter (18:29.4) from Alaska was fifth and Anna Bergland from NMU sixth (18:51.8).

The Wildcats had a group of four skiers who placed were 11^th through 14^th.  Ingrid Fjeldheim (19:21.5) led the way in 11^th as she was followed by Jennifer Wygant (19:22.0), Tanya Cook (19:26.0) and Kelly Ahern (19:35.1).  The final ‘Cat to cross the finish line was Christina Gillis in 19^th place with a time of 20:08.5.

Second day of the event will be tomorrow (Feb. 18) as the women will compete in the 10K classic.  The event is being held at Al Quaal Recreation Area.

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