SSCV’s J3 women take eight of the top 16 places at the J3 Junior Olympics

Ski & Snowboard Club Vail’s J3 team placed eight women into the top 16 spots at the Rocky/Central J3 Junior Olympics giant slalom on Friday, 3/11.

“The girls just nailed the first run,” said coach Bruce Hamlin. “On a super tricky hill with all kinds of changing terrain, they skied the best they’ve skied all year.”

Rachael Desrochers took the top spot for the SSCV women with her fourth place finish.  She was in second after the first run, and missed the GS bronze medal by just 5/100ths of a second.

Erika McCormick, Grace Merriman, Megan McGrew, Kelly Balfanz, Heidi Livran, Bailey Kuechenmeister, and Leah Newton all put themselves into the top 16 by placing fifth, seventh, eighth, 12th, 13th, 14th, and 16th, respectively.

Sasha Horn, Camilla Trapness, and Abigail Murer took 24th, 28th, and 30th, respectively, in Friday’s GS.

“The whole team has learned a lot at this event,” said Hamlin.  “It has really been fantastic – we couldn’t ask for more. ”

The Rocky/Central J3 Junior Olympics will wrap up Saturday, 3/12, with a slalom race for the men and women.  This race is on a steep, technical hill, which Hamlin said would benefit the SSCV racers.

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