Carrabassett Valley, Maine - The Colby Alpine Ski team closed out the first weekend of EISA racing in stellar fashion.  First-year Kate McKenney placed second followed by sophomore Althea Noyes in third in Saturday's Giant Slalom as the women's team finished second, only one point behind Division I power Dartmouth. The men's team slid into 8th in the 13-team race. 

McKenney owned the day, starting with bib 31 and moving up to 16th after the first run.  Winning the second run, McKenney's combined time vaulted her all the way to second, claiming silver medal and the second step on the podium.  Noyes (headline photo) was equally impressive.  Starting with bib 22, Noyes jumped to 13th after first run and placed third on the second run for a two-run combo that landed her the bronze.  Carissa Cassidy, Friday's Slalom hero, combined two solid runs to finish 12th.  

After great results a day ago in the men's Slalom, the Mules saw two new names lead the squad.  John Kelleher (photo left) started with bib 55 and advanced to 19th after first run before making another jump to 14th after second run. Topher Davenport also had a great day for Colby, starting with bib 74 and landing in 25th place.  

Colby will head to Lake Placid, N.Y. next week for the second leg of the EISA circuit.  Six consecutive weekends compile the carnival season, ending with the Middlebury Carnival February 20 and 21 prior to the NCAA Championships hosted by Montana State University March 11-14.