Ryan Murken

Your Prep Sports

DES MOINES – The third trip to the state track and field meet proved to be the charm for West Branch junior Alyssa Pierce.

However, it was the experience from those first two state meet appearances that helped Pierce pick up her first career state medal.

In her third trip to the state meet Pierce finished fourth in the Class 2A shot put on Thursday with a mark of 40-9 ¼.

“I think I learned how to handle my nerves and not get so worked up and overwhelmed by the huge crowd,” Pierce said. “I was able to calm myself down before I was going to throw and that really helped me.”

Pierce has come a long way since her state meet debut two seasons ago.

She finished 21^st with a mark of 32-8 ¾ as a freshman and just missed a medal last season placing ninth with a toss of 37-6 ½.

On Thursday Pierce finally broke through.

“It’s rewarding because this is what I’ve been working for since I made it my freshman year,” Pierce said. “I finally got it so it feels great.”

Jana Ter Wee of West Lyon won the 2A shot put title with a toss of 42-11 which was more than a foot better than the runner-up effort of Sprit Lake sophomore Lauren Travis (41-7).

Hillary Ruschy of Estherville-Lincoln Central was third with a toss of 41-2 ½.

“I was hoping for third to beat my seed but fourth still feels good,” Pierce said. “I’m happy with that.”

The throw of 40-9 ¼ for Pierce actually came on her opening attempt.

Each of the first four throws for Pierce were over 40-4, the first four throws at the state meet that were over 40 feet for the junior.

“Getting my first throw out there as a good mark it helped me relax,” Pierce said. “After that I knew I was going to make finals.”

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