Norway alpine ski team racers senior Gabby Carey and Junior Maria Fornetti both earned MHSAA Division 2 All-State awards on Feb 28 after competing in the state finals at Schuss Mountain in Bellaire. (Courtesy photo)

BELLAIRE — The 2021-22 season finally came to a close for the Norway girls varsity ski team Feb. 28, but not before two Knights raced to all-state honors during the state finals at Schuss Mountain in Bellaire.

Norway senior Gabby Carey and junior Maria Fornetti both earned MHSAA Division 2 All-State awards last Monday competing in the state finals that consisted of slalom and giant slalom races.

The Knights sent Carey and Fornetti racing as individuals through their qualification at the Region 4 race that was held at Nubs Nob in Petoskey on Feb. 14.

In the slalom, Carey raced to a 10th-place finish, earning her all-state first-team honors. Both Maria Fornetti and Carey earned all-state second-team honors in the giant slalom. Carey finished in 15th place and Fornetti came through the finish 20th overall.

“(It) was an great day of racing for our girls,” said Norway coach Ted Fornetti. “We only were able to send the two racers to the finals and they both came away with all-state awards.

“Since they skied as individuals versus as a team, they started later in the run order than they normally do. They had to overcome slightly different course conditions than they are typically used to which was a disadvantage for them yet they both skied really well,” he added. “I was very proud of their effort and mental focus. It was a great way to end the year.”