Northampton’s Aja Blount and Meghan Hemingway competed at the state track and field meet this past weekend.

Blount was seventh with a throw of 121-4. Jocelen Ruth of Kutztown had the top throw with a 137, just ahead of North Pocono’s Jessica Slagus who tossed a 136-7. Hemingway, meanwhile, threw a 105-10 for 16th place.

For Blount, it was all about overcoming some early jitters before finding her form.

“I was very nervous performing out at Ship because I was not used to the atmosphere and having so many people watching me at once,” Blount said earlier this week.

Blount fouled her first two throws and was on the brink of not making the finals if she fouled another.

“My coach and teammate Meghan [Hemingway] were calming my nerves,” Blount said.

On her third throw, Blount tossed a 117 and qualified for finals.

During the finals, Blount said she once again fouled her first two throws, but the good news was she was already guaranteed eighth place and a state metal. That helped to calm her down.

“I was more relaxed and on my third throw I PR’d with a throw of 121-4, and moved to seventh place.”

Getting the nerves out was not only key to earning a medal this year, but may also help in the future as Blount plans on another trip to Ship.

“This definitely motivated me for next season and I plan on coming back to states and placing higher,” she said. “I can’t complain about this season. I had a very fun time with my teammates and coaches. My only fall was during the Allen Invite where I didn’t throw so well and took third.”

Blount’s attention now shifts back to basketball.

“I will be keeping busy this summer with mostly basketball and lifting,” she said. “I will be playing AAU and working out with my dad and uncle. I will also be busy with summer league for the high school and we are attending a North Carolina camp later on in June that I’m excited for and I think will be a great experience.”