CELEBRATION, Fla. — Saws were buzzing and axes were swinging during the Women's Endurance quarterfinals. Four of the eight competitors will be advancing to the semifinals but original favorites Penny Halverson and Erin Lavoie will not be among those competing for the gold medal.

Seventh seed Nancy Zalewski upset second seed Erin Lavoie in a competition that came right down to the wire. Despite trailing Lavoie the entire race, Zalewski was able to use her sheer power and determination to come from behind in the final seconds and get the win.

During the race Lavoie finished ahead of Zalewski at the Modified Stock Saw then raced to the Underhand Chop turning and breaking through the piece of wood before Zalewski had a chance to finish. Just when it looked like Lavoie was about to win, Zalewski finished with her axe, raced to the last element — the 16-inch pine log — and sliced through it like a piece of cake while Lavoie stood still sawing.

"Sawing is my strong suit. I have a lot of power to combine with my technique," Zalewski said. "It feels great to win."

In another close match-up, the number five seed Karmyn Wynyard defeated number four seed Penny Halverson. Halverson looked strong as she cut through the pine during the Modified Stock Saw. She raced to the Underhand Chop while Wynyard was still sawing at the start. The two were tied in the underhand chop but Wynyard broke through first with one last powerful swing. She sprinted to the Single Buck Saw to begin the final leg of the victory and cut through to the win the heat and advance to the semifinals.

"My husband Jason helped me get through it," Wynyard said. With 12 Great Outdoor Games medals, he is well qualified to lend a hand. "He gives me encouragement when my arms are burning."

In other heats, Peg Engasser beat Mary Beth Dooley. Engasser is small in stature but proved to be a powerhouse in the event. Engasser will face Zalewski in the semifinal.

Sheree Taylor defeated Andrea Furber in convincing fashion. Taylor will face fellow New Zealander Wynyard in the semifinal.

The Games will be aired on ESPN and ABC Sports July 13-17, 2005. Click here for the broadcast schedule.

This article on the Great Outdoor Games 2005 Web site is brought to you by the editors of Field & Stream and Outdoor Life. For more information, visit www.fieldandstream.com and www.outdoorlife.com.