The Wilton High School girls ski team, reigning Class S State Champions, claimed victory once again in the first race of the Connecticut Interscholastic Ski League (CISL) on Thursday, Jan. 13, at Mount Southington. The Wilton boys ski team had a strong showing as well, achieving fourth place.

Out of 13 teams (12 in Class S, one in Class L), Wilton girls locked in the winning score of 307.79 seconds, followed by Hand (308.23; Class L); Weston (314.46; Class S); and Darien (318.06; Class S).

“It’s great to see we have a competitive team after having three all-state skiers graduate last year,” said Wilton girls coach Bill Howard. “Our win this week was a true team effort.”

Howard also noted that the girls’ win was very close, just a half second ahead of Hand, and several other schools weren’t too far behind. “With so many competitive teams, Wilton has to keep improving to keep its top spot, and that is our goal,” he said.

The Wilton girls were led by senior captain Sophia Polito, who finished in eighth place out of 136 skiers with a combined two-run score of 47.5 seconds. Freshman Gabby O’Meara quickly placed next in ninth (49.75), followed by senior captain Abby Kyle (12th; 50.45); senior captain Casey Vanderwall (24th; 52.48); freshman Paige Leung (25th; 52.57); and Molly Kaeyer (26th; 52.75).

The Wilton boys achieved their fourth place score of 297.83 out of 13 Class S teams, preceded by Brunswick (first, 289.41); Weston (second, 292.34); and Hand (third, 293.98). Senior captain Ryan Leung led the Warriors by placing 10th out of 128 skiers (47.68). He was followed closely by sophomore Owen Theoharides (15th; 48.66); freshman Connor Buchichio (21st; 49.31); sophomore Harry Polito (22nd; 49.85); sophomore Max Mirota (32nd; 50.96); senior Amir Sabovic (33rd; 51.37); and senior captain Eli Ackerman (34th; 51.46).

“We’re facing stiff competition this season but if there’s one thing I know about the Warriors it’s that we will rise to the occasion and be ready to face the challenge head on,” Michael Kaulins, the Wilton boys coach, said. “It’s going to be a great season.”

Complete team results may be found online.