It was a roller coaster of emotion Sunday watching local woman and current Miss Louisiana Erin Edmiston compete for the title of Miss USA.

About 20 of Edmiston’s closest friends and sorority sisters gathered at the Lafayette home of Emily Judice to watch her go for the crown live on NBC from Last Vegas. As soon as she hit the stage in the introductory part of the program, screams of delight filled the room.

"It’s Erin, look! She looks awesome!" shouted several of her friends.

Nerves took over as friends waited anxiously to hear who would make the top 16, especially when Louisiana hadn’t been called with only seven spots to go. When Louisiana was called, friends jumped for joy to see her make it as so many had predicted she would.

"It’s so exciting to see a hometown girl up there," said Haley Larson, former Miss UL and friend. "She has worked so hard, and no matter what happens we are so proud of her."

When Edmiston took the stage for the swimsuit competition, most thought she had won that. Erin’s’ father David said those watching live in Las Vegas were definitely nervous but were getting into the energy of the competition. Unfortunately, excitement turned to disappointment when Edmiston did not make the top 10, but that didn’t stop the feeling of pride among her supporters.

"It’s a little bit disappointing," said Judice, "but we are so proud of her for making it this far. She is definitely going to turn this into something so positive."

"She looked amazing," said friend Collette Prudhomme. "Top 16 is amazing. I don’t if anyone from Lafayette has done that in a long time."

And even though it was brief ride it was an exciting one for Edmiston’s

family and friends who made the trip to Las Vegas with her. David summed up the family’s feelings this way.

"Remember when your mom would call you in from playing to eat dinner and you didn’t want to stop playing?" he texted from the pageant. "Well we aren’t ready to stop playing but we are very thankful for being invited to the Miss USA playground. We are a blessed family and are so thankful for everyone’s support."

In the end, Miss Rhode Island took the crown with Miss Maryland coming in as the first runner-up.

Edmiston will continue to reign as Miss Louisiana and make appearances on behalf of the state. Friends say she has been enormously busy traveling as part of her duties. They say they look forward to seeing her again and welcoming her home.

"I had a wonderful experience representing Louisiana in the Miss USA. I have met some new friends that I will enjoy for a lifetime. Although I was not crowned I am proud to have made the top 15 honor. Thank you to all who have supported me on this journey. I can’t.wait to continue my reign as your Miss Louisiana. Now let’s bring Mickey Shunick home to her family safe," Edmiston said. "

Athletic Network Footnote:

Click here for the 2011 Homecoming Court.

Click here for the photo gallery of the 2012 Miss USA pageant.