February 16, 2013 (Ljubno, Slovenia) – Park City’s Sarah Hendrickson snagged her seventh podium finish this season with a strong 2nd-place performance in Ljubno on Saturday. She led the U.S. women’s ski jumping team, which dominated the competition by placing five jumpers in the top 13. Jessica Jerome continued to build on her recent successes with a 6th, Lindsey Van was 8th, Alissa Johnson 12th, and Abby Hughes 13th.

Japan’s Sara Takanashi won her third consecutive World Cup event to edge closer to the overall title. France’s Coline Mattel was 3rd.

“I’m really very satisfied because I made two good jumps,” Hendrickson said. “My goal for tomorrow (Sunday) is to focus on my technique again, just like today. Congratulations to Sara (Takanashi), she is having great performances.”

The U.S. team still leads the Nations Cup race. Slovenia, sitting in 2nd, is closing the gap, boosted by the consistent results of Spela Rogelj, Katja Pozun, and Ursa Bogataj who were 4th, 5th, and 9th respectively Saturday.

Just three World Cup events remain this season: one more in Ljubno on Sunday and two in Norway after the 2013 Nordic World Ski Championships, which get under way in Val di Fiemme, Italy, in less than a week. The women’s individual event is Feb. 22, and the mixed team event is Sunday, Feb. 24.

Results (brief)
1. Sara Takanashi, JPN, (88.5 meters, 88) 225.1
2. Sarah Hendrickson, USA, (85, 83.5) 214.2
3. Coline Mattel, FRA, (84, 84) 212.1

6. Jessica Jerome, USA, (82, 82.5) 201.9
8. Lindsev Van, USA, (81.5, 79.5) 197.8
12. Alissa Johnson, USA (78, 79.5) 189.2
13. Abby Hughes, USA (77.5, 79.5) 187.8