PARK CITY, Utah --- University of New Mexico Nordic skier Martin Kaas won his third race of the 2010 season on Friday with a 10-kilometer classic victory at the Utah Invitational in Soldier Hollow. Kaas crossed the finish line in 33:51.1 for his second classic win and third overall win of the season. The Lobos remain in first place overall with 658 points, a 20-point edge over second place Denver. Kaas will go for his fourth win of the season on Saturday in the Utah Invitational freestyle race.

"Martin had another great race," said Lobos head coach Fredrik Landstedt. "He beat everyone on the final two kilometers to take the win. Pierre (Niess) had a very good first race as a Lobo."

Kaas has become a one-man wrecking crew on the UNM men's Nordic record book. The junior from Oslo, Norway, is the first Lobo men's Nordic skier to win two classic races in a season and in a career. The majority of men's Nordic wins have come in freestyle events where the season (Jimmy Vika, 2003) and career records (Dirk Grimm, 2004-06; Jimmy Vika, 2003; and Peter Rune, 1991-92) are four. Kaas already has one freestyle win this season, last Saturday at the Montana State Invitational. Overall Alpine wins records are five for both season and career. Kaas has three in 2010 and for his 2008-present career.

The Lobos picked up another men's Nordic skier during the first week of school. Pierre Niess, a freshman from France, placed seventh in the men's race, followed by junior Simon Reissmann in 15th. The men's squad won the team scoring with 112 points.

The women had a tough race with senior Polina Ermoshina placing seventh after several days of being sick and unable to practice. Freshman Linn Klaesson placed 15th, while sophomore Ingrid Leask wrapped up the team scoring in 27th place.

Utah Invitational Results (after 6 events)
1. New Mexico - 658 points; 2. Denver - 638; 3. Colorado - 583; 4. Utah - 575; 5. Alaska-Anchorage - 498; 6. Nevada - 480; 7. Montana State - 472

New Mexico Finishes:

Women's 5K Classic
7. Polina Ermoshina, 19:32.1; 15. Linn Klaesson, 20:16.8; 27. Ingrid Leask, 22:52.7

Men's 10K Classic
1. Martin Kaas, 33:51.1; 7. Pierre Niess, 34:48.2; 15. Simon Reissmann, 35:59.8; 29. Eivind Solberg, 37:56.8; DNS - Tor-Hakon Hellebostad (ill)

Women's Slalom
1. Malin Hemmingsson, 1:42.05; t4. Jacqueline Hangl, 1:43.26; t6. Kate Williams, 1:43.42; DNF (2nd run) Stefanie Demetz, Anne Cecile Brusletto

Men's Slalom
4. Petter Brenna, 1:51.39; 5. Chriss Salbu, 1:51.66; 10. Olivier Lacaille, 1:52.12; 20. Gary Beresford, 1:56.45; 32. Thomas Schwab, 2:38.57; DQ (2nd run) Chris Acosta

Women's Giant Slalom
2. Stefanie Demetz, 1:56.41; 4. Malin Hemmingsson, 1:57.14; 6. Anne Cecilie Brusletto, 1:57.75; 10. Kate Williams, 1:58.27; 29. Jacqueline Hangl, 2:12.01

Men's Giant Slalom
3. Petter Brenna, 1:56.74; t5th. Thomas Schwab, 1:56.96; 17. Olivier Lacaille, 2:05.11; 24. Gary Beresford, 2:05.11; 30. Chriss Salbu, 2:22.59 (hiked); DNF (2nd run) Chris Acosta