Ludlow third at U.S. Alpine

CARRABASSETT VALLEY, Maine -- Bellevue native Libby Ludlow finished third in the women's giant slalom as the U.S. Alpine Championships ended Wednesday in a steady snowfall.

The names of the first- and second-place finishers were almost identical, and so were their results, as Lauren Ross beat Laurenne Ross with a come-from-behind effort.

Lauren Ross had been fifth after the first run, but charged through the second heat to finish in 2 minutes, 15.22 seconds for both runs and overtake Laurenne Ross, the first-run leader who had a combined time of 2:15.31.

Ludlow, the 2004 U.S. giant slalom champ, World Cup veteran and 2006 Olympian who attends Dartmouth for one academic quarter per year, finished in 2:15.71.

Having two Rosses with similar first names at the top of the finish order was nothing new for either skier, who are not related.

"It's always confusing for announcers and reporters," Laurenne Ross said.

The race was close after the first run with six skiers separated by less than 0.4 seconds, with Lauren Ross fifth and Ludlow sixth.

"I was ticked off in the start (for the second run)," the new champion said. "I definitely had a little more fire."

Laurenne Ross battled nerves as she waited to start the second run after the other 29 fastest skiers from the first run.

"I was nervous," she said. "And I don't usually do well in those situations. I didn't choke. So I guess it was good."