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Lena Kjelstrup

Women's Skiing 2/27/2026 1:03:00 PM Braden Golisek - Assistant Director of Sports Information

Nillsen Wins Classic at NCAA Regionals

DULUTH, Minn. -- Henriette Nilssen led the Wildcats to open the 2026 NCAA Central Regional Skiing Championships, claiming gold in the classic individual start.

In today's race, skiers were released individually in increments, and not all at once.

A junior from Nittedal, Norway, Nilssen claimed gold in the 7.5k classic interval start with a time of 22:10.9, a full 26 seconds ahead of second place. Nilssen posted lap times 7:13.0 at the 2.5k mark, 7:22.8 at the 5k, and 7:34.6 into the finish time, all of which were the fastest at each marker, respectively. Nilssen now has gold in her last three races dating back through the conference championships.

Greta Hansen (22:36.6) and Bridget Burns (22:59.3) of Michigan Tech claimed silver and bronze. The full list of results from today can be found here.

Lauren McCollor, a fifth-year athlete from Pylmouth, Minnesota, finished just off the podium in fourth at 23:08.5. McCollor's times were second after the first marker and third after the 5k mark before crossing the line at what would eventually be fourth.

Senior transfer Greta Leitheiser was next, finishing sixth at 23:08.5. Leitheiser's times at all of the markers would end up being the sixth-fastest among the field once everyone crossed the line.

Emma Klevenberg finished eighth at 23:42.7 to round out the 'Cats in the top-10. Lena Kjelstru finished 13th, Meija Peterson 16th, Riley Grossklaus 21st, Monet Argeropoulos 27th, and Jordan Parent DNF.

The team now gears up for the 20k skate mass start tomorrow. Fans can follow along with live timing here.

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Players Mentioned

Lauren McCollor: Graduate Student

Henriette Nilssen: 5' 3"; Junior

Jordan Parent: Junior

Riley Grossklaus: Freshman

Emma Klevenberg: Freshman

Greta Leitheiser: Senior

Meija Peterson: Freshman

Monet Argeropoulos: Freshman

Players Mentioned

Lauren McCollor
: Graduate Student

Henriette Nilssen
: 5' 3"; Junior

Jordan Parent
: Junior

Riley Grossklaus
: Freshman

Emma Klevenberg
: Freshman

Greta Leitheiser
: Senior

Meija Peterson
: Freshman

Monet Argeropoulos
: Freshman