Špela Rogelj, the highest ranked Slovenian in the overall World Cup standings, finished seventh with 232 points after securing several podium results this season.

Still, a crowd of some 6,000 who gathered to cheer the world's best women ski-jumpers, was happy with Slovenia's performance as three athletes finished among top 10.

"What can I say...The result is great, but it could be even better. We'll definitely make it among the top three in Ljubno sometime...Tomorrow is another day," Vtič said after the race.

Rogelj meanwhile said she was happy with the result although she had wished for more. "But I'll get another opportunity tomorrow."

Indeed, Sunday's meet in Ljubno will be the last one before the World Championships, which starts Wednesday.

Following the race, Austria's Iraschko-Stolz, the World Cup leader, received a fair play award from the hands of Slovenian PM Miro Cerar.

The Austrian has earned the award for having lended Špela Rogelj a pair of skies at the recent meet in Sapporo even if the Slovenian is her rival for podium results.