March 19, 2004, Stratton Mountain, Vermont -- The first day of competition at the Philips U.S. Open of Snowboarding went off, only it wasn't under sunny skies but rather a clear, dark night. The Men's and Women's Rail Jam event started while the sun was setting and the temps were dropping. But the eager spectators weren't phased. By the time the final started at 7:45 p.m., they were hungry for action and bundled up against the cold.

This was the second year of the night rail-jam event, and the first time women were asked to participate. The girls held their own on the course, and with everything from a C-box to a giant flat-down box, kinked handrails, and steep staircases, the crowd never knew what to expect.

The nine women were not only competing for a decent chunk of change ($6,000 going to the winner), but were also pushing themselves for the bonus best-trick award sponsored by SoBe. The prize: $2,500 and another chance to stand on the podium.

At the end of the hour-long jam, the three girls to take the first ever Rail Jam podium were Leanne Pelosi first, Erin Comstock second, and Natasza Zurek third. And Marie France Roy went away $2,500 dollars richer as the winner of the best trick award.

For more U.S. Open action stay tuned throughout the weekend.

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WOMEN'S RAIL JAM RESULTS
SoBe Sick Trick Award: $2,500 and Philips Camera Key Ring
1. Leanne Pelosi, $6,000
2. Erin Comstock, $1,000
3. Natasza Zuerk, $1,000
4. Priscilla Levac, $1,000
5. Cheryl Maas, $1,000