Results | Championship site
LA CROSSE, Wis. -- Nazareth freshman Taylor Pierson saved her best jump for the last meet of the season Thursday as she became Nazareth's first-ever women's track and field All-American by placing eighth in the long jump competition at the NCAA Division III Track and Field Championships at Wisconsin-La Crosse's Roger Harring Stadium.

Pierson broke her own school record with her first jump of the day as she leaped 5.73 meters or 18 feet, 9 3/4 inches. The top eight finishers are recognized as All-Americans.

"She's definitely very excited," said Nazareth Coach James Goss. "You could tell in warmups that she felt pretty good. Sometimes all it takes is one good jump."

Thursday's performance put the finishing touches on an impressive first season for Pierson, who placed 10th at the national meet in the long jump during the indoor season. She also won Empire 8 and NYSCTC titles during the outdoor season.

"She couldn't have picked a better time for her best jump of the season," Goss said.

Melissa Norville of Illinois College won the long jump competition with a leap of 6.22 meters (20 feet, 5 inches).