HENNIKER, N.H. – The Vermont State University Castleton men's alpine skiing team battled difficult snow conditions at Pats Peak on Saturday, posting several strong individual performances despite multiple DNFs in the slalom. 

Alex Jorge Lopez led Castleton in eighth place, recording a time of 1:37.19 for his highest slalom finish of the season. Lucas Pons Morillo placed 12th in 1:41.76, while Gavin Bochnak finished 15th in 1:43.34 for a collegiate-best performance. 

Castleton placed fifth as a team with a combined time of 6:05.94. Babson College won the event in 4:35.89, followed by Clarkson University in second at 4:49.19 and the University of Connecticut in third at 5:01.34. 

The Spartans return to competition tomorrow with the giant slalom at Waterville Valley Resort.