Strong opener for women’s speed team

By USSA

LAKE LOUISE, Alberta — Laurenne Ross (Bend, Ore.) led a solid effort by the U.S. Ski Team’s women’s speed squad on Dec. 5 that saw four athletes in the top nine, including Lindsey Vonn (Vail).

It was the strongest U.S. women’s downhill team performance in two seasons.

Tina Maze of Slovenia took the win with Ross fourth, Julia Mancuso (Squaw Valley) seventh, Vonn eighth and Stacey Cook (Mammoth Mountain) ninth. Ross missed the podium 0.03.

It was the first World Cup for Vonn in nearly a year. Her comeback a year ago was cut short by a re-injured knee forcing a second surgery. Vonn felt strong in training all week and was satisified with her start.

The women race a second downhill Saturday, with super G on Sunday.