December 9, 2009 (Rovaniemi, Finland) – Sarah Hendrickson led the Visa U.S. women’s ski jumping team in the season-opening Ladies Continental Cup K-90 events Tuesday and Wednesday in Rovaniemi, Finland, placing in the top 10 both days. On Tuesday, the 15-year-old took 6th place with jumps of 88.5 meters and 86 meters, just missing the 5th spot by half a point. Today, Hendrickson improved, jumping 88 and 88.5 meters on her two jumps, placing her 5th.

“Sarah had a difficult time in training, but really came through with some consistent good jumps for the competition,” veteran U.S. teammate Alissa Johnson said. Hendrickson posted the most consistent results of her Continental Cup (COC) career this summer in Europe. In Lillehammer, Norway, she took first and third, rounding out a successful August on the COC with six straight top-12 finishes — four of those in the top 6.

World Championship bronze medalist Anette Sagen of Norway placed first on Tuesday, and World Championship silver medalist Ulrike Graessler of Germany took top honors today. Reigning U.S. National Champion Jessica Jerome finished 22nd and 15th; Johnson finished 19th and 22nd; and American Abby Hughes took 26th and 23rd.

While Johnson said this hill was difficult, she’s making some minor adjustments and her “jumps are very close to being very good. … I’m pumped to get to the other hills as they are some of my favorites,” she said. Hughes had a promising start today, coming in 10th after the first round. But on the second jump, she said she caught an edge and “got whipped like whipping cream.” Without that hitch, Hughes was looking at a possible top-10 finish.

The U.S. Visa Team heads to Vikersund, Norway, for competitions this weekend. Veterans Johnson and Jerome said they are confident their jumps will continue to improve. “I think it’s important to go into the season with an open mind. If you get too caught up in the first few competitions it can make the season really long,” Johnson said.