Katie Westerstein.  Photo by utahutes

SNOWBIRD, Utah – Katie Vesterstein led the Utah ski team with a pair of second place finishes and helped Utah finish the day in first place at the RMISA Invitational hosted by Westminster in the slalom after two races at Snowbird.

 "Everyone has been working through a bunch of stuff, and for all of them to go out and finish the four runs and for our girls to win the day was really impressive," head alpine coach JJ Johnson said.

"It showed a lot, because they were fighters today and it was a lot of fun."

The alpine team's last race was January 13, so they've used that last time for training and to get healthy. After the break, Vesterstein came out ready to go.

 "You could see how she was showing up ready to go today," Johnson said.

"She told me after the second race, she honestly didn't remember everything on the run, and I said perfect, because you got in the zone where stuff is automatic.

That was the most power I've seen her ski with in the past couple of years.

She executed every run and didn't back off or cave to the pressure.

She showed consistency, power and on the mental side of doing that run after run four times, especially for not having a podium, was really impressive."

 "It felt really good to be able to get in the start gate again after not racing for a while," Vesterstein said.

"I didn't have any expectations for myself other than to try my best and have fun.

I also really enjoyed being able to be with my teammates on the hill cheering one another on.

I think our team has the most fun and best vibes on the hill."

VES/utahutes.com