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DES MOINES— Twin sisters, Ellie and Isla Nielsen, made it to state in their freshman season with Williamsburg.

The freshmen competed together in the 3A girls’ high jump Thursday at the State Track and Field meet at Drake Stadium in Des Moines.

“I’m so happy we made it together,” Ellie Nielsen said. “I’m really proud of her.”

Ellie Nielsen captured her first state medal, tying for fifth place after clearing five feet, two inches.

“I wasn’t really expecting to finish top five, but I’m really happy I did,” Ellie Nielsen said.

The 400-meter was another highlight for Williamsburg on day one in 3A at State.

The Raiders took home three medals in the boys and girls races. Two of those were fourth place finishes, and new personal bests.

Ava Hocker broke 57 for the first time in the girls’ 400, running 56.81.

“That was my top priority coming in, to either run a personal best or place top three,” Ava Hocker said. “It’s a great way to start off.”

Rayce Heitman ran 49.00 in the boys’ 400, in a race where the winner, Center Point-Urbana’s Nathan Miller, set a new 3A state record in 47.88.

“I thought it could have gone a little bit better,” Heitman said. “You always want to do better, but it is a personal best.”

Ava Hocker and Heitman each have three more races left this weekend.

“There’s still a lot of opportunities,” said Heitman.

Teammate Grant Hocker finished seventh in 50.24.

Ailea Wetjen also advanced to the girls’ 100-meter finals after finishing top eight in the preliminary round.

Area results

Class 3A

Girls

High jump— T5. Ellie Nielsen (Williamsburg), 5-2; 14. Isla Nielsen (Williamsburg), 5-0

3,000— 23. Channing Becker (Williamsburg), 11:42.12

4x800— 17. Williamsburg (Becker, Hoffman, Wilde, Axmear), 10:00.35

200 prelims— 10. Ailea Wetjen (Williamsburg), 25.49

100 prelims — 7. Ailea Wetjen (Williamsburg), 12.40 (qualified for finals)

400— 4. Ava Hocker (Williamsburg), 56.81

Boys

High jump— T13. Albert Bamrick (Williamsburg), 6-1

400— 4. Rayce Heitman (Williamsburg), 49.00; 7. Grant Hocker (Williamsburg), 50.24

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Nielsen medals in high jump, ties for 5th