WINTER PARK, Colo. - The University of Wyoming women's nordic ski team captured its third national title in four years Saturday.

The Cowgirls, fighting through a blinding snowstorm at Snow Mountain Ranch, finished second in the final event of the U.S. Colegiate Ski and Snowboard Association Nationals, but had already put themselves well ahead of the field.

The Wyoming men skied in much better conditions and came away with a second-place finish.

The Cowgirls finished with 44 points, besting St. Olaf College by 56 points. St. Olaf was the only team to beat UW a year ago.

"We thought our women had a chance to win it all, but with so many more teams competing and the strength of St. Olaf's team, we knew it would be tough," UW co-coach Christi Boggs said. "Our women just skied phenomenally all week and didn't really give anyone else a chance."

Five Cowgirls place among the top 10 skiers in teh overall individual standings. Lander-native Erin Hammer, a sophomore, was the team's highest finisher, placing second.

Daniel-native, junior Kari Boroff, finished third and was UW's only only national-title winner. She won the 8.5-kilometer classic race.

Casper natives Kelsie Speiser and Melissa Gangl, placed fourth and seventh, respectively and junior Katie Turner was 10th.

"There is only one senior on our team and (Speiser) is a freshman," Boggs said. "We're hoping for great things again next year."

The Cowgirls produced 13 All-Americans, including nine first-team honors. Hammer led the way with three first-team performances. Speiser and Boroff each earned two and Gangl and Turner each had one.

Coming off a national title a year ago, a much younger UW men's team exceeded expectations, finishing second to Cornell by just one point. The Cowboys finished with 67 points.

"The men's overall second place finish was way better than we ever dreamed," Boggs said. "The surprise finish came because the men's team had plenty of newcomers, and the few veterans on the club had never placed (that) high."

Casper-native Jim Kirlin had the team's highest finish, placing third in the overall standings. The Cowboys took the title in the 3x5 relay race. They also produced eight All-Americans, including three first-team winners.

"This was probably the most successful nationals we have ever had," Boggs said. "It was a very good week."