JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Efficiency is the name of the game for Indiana State throw Erin Reese, as she punched her second ticket to the NCAA Track & Field Championships on Friday, this time in the discus throw.
 
Expected to make it in the hammer throw on Thursday, Reese knew entering Friday that the discus throw would be a battle for the 12 positions that make it to Texas in June, as the 5-10 seeds were separated by just over one meter.
 
"It was a battle and it was not easy since it [qualifying mark] went up two meters from last year. It was rough but we made it through and I'm really happy about it," Reese said. "The hammer throw definitely took some pressure off of the discus, I came in today just competing with the best and seeing what happens, and it turned out in my favor."
 
Much like the hammer throw, Reese unleashed her qualifying toss on her first throw of the competition, recording a mark of 53.24m (174-08) to hold fourth place after one throw. Her second throw was solid, but wasn't an improvement at 52.98m (173-10) and her first throw ended up holding on, giving her a ninth place finish at the East Preliminary Round. At the end of the day there was less than one meter separating fifth and ninth place.
 
The East Regional is not completed for the Trees, however, as both Reese and Cassaundra Roper will compete in the shot put tomorrow at 5:15 p.m. for two more opportunities to compete at the NCAA Championships.
 
Saturday Schedule:
5:15 p.m. - Erin Reese, Cassaundra Roper - Shot Put
 
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