June 9, 2007

Results

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Texas State senior Abby Ruston concluded her collegiate career Saturday with an All-America performance, placing second in the shot put at the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

Ruston, a native of San Antonio, had a mark of 17.44 meters (57-02.75) on her next to last attempt in the finals to capture second place.

She opened the finals with a throw of 17.13 meters. It was the only 17+ meter throw of the first of six rounds in Saturday's finals. Ruston also had a mark of 17.40 meters on her third throw which kept her in the event lead while the 17.44 meter throw during the fifth round increased her lead.

Arizona State's Jessica Pressley would come on in the later rounds and top Ruston's mark with a throw of 18.00 meters (59-00.75) on her fifth attempt. Pressley began the competition with throws of 16.19, 15.97 and 17.07 meters. She would register a mark of 17.23 meters on her fourth attempt before her championship throw.

Ruston would foul on her final attempt but her podium performance was secured.

Sarah Stevens, a teammate of Pressley's at Arizona State, would place third with a mark of 17.40 meters. Rounding out the top five was Texas A&M's Kacey Onwuchekwa and Texas' Michelle Carter.

Ruston also earned All-America honors during the indoor season. She placed fifth in the shot put at the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships in March.