Monday, August 30, 2021

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Alaska women’s cross country team recorded a statement win over in-state rivals Alaska Anchorage during the annual UAF Blue/Gold Meet Saturday, as the Nanooks defeated the Seawolves 17-38 to earn the GNAC Team of the Week award.

It was the first head-to-head victory for Alaska over Alaska Anchorage in the history of the women’s cross country program. Coming into the season, Alaska was ranked ninth in the GNAC Coaches’ Preseason Poll while perennial power Alaska Anchorage came in third, but the Nanooks used strong performances from their underclassmen to draw first blood in the 2021-2022 season.

“Our team is very young, but between the sophomores who didn't get to race last year and our very talented freshmen, we have a small but fast group of girls who work hard as a team as well as individually,” Alaska head coach Eliska Albrigtsen said. “This very first victory, crowned with a GNAC award, is going to propel them towards even more focus and hopefully more success.”

Freshman and Fairbanks native Kendall Kramer paced the Nanooks, running the 5,000 meters in 18:34 to win her first collegiate race, which took place in her hometown.

Alaska managed to get three other freshman runners in the top five, as Rosie Fordham finished seven seconds back with a time of 18:41, Naomi Bailey followed in 19:21 to finish third, and Delainey Zock ran 21:00 to cross the line fifth. Junior Mariel Pulles rounded out the scoring for the Nanooks, running 21:10 to finish sixth.

The two programs won’t have to wait long to face off again, as they will compete in the Seawolf Throwdown in Anchorage next Saturday, Sept. 4.