LAS VEGAS – Carlee Pierce’s confidence is growing.

The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo is the perfect place for that boost. On Monday night, the Edmond, Okla., cowgirl circled the cloverleaf pattern in 13.93 seconds to finish sixth in the fifth round, adding another $3,065 to her earnings. She now has earned more than $14,000 in Sin City.

“Faster times each run is a success,” Pierce said after posting her fastest time of the 2014 NFR. “We are finally getting more confidence and looking for first place.”

That assurance comes from Streakin Easy April, a 6-year-old sorrel mare she calls Lolo that is competing at just the fourth rodeo of her young life. It just so happens, this is a 10-round championship that features the very best horses in ProRodeo.

“I was super excited about that run,” she said, referring to the fifth-round time. “Every time I ride her, I’m seeing more and more great things.”

The young horse comes from a strong pedigree. Her sire is A Streak of Fling, a top-producing performance horse stallion; her dam is Easy April Lena, a top producer.

“I’m just working hard to make sure we’re doing everything right,” said Pierce, who pushed her season earnings to more than $104,500 and is sixth in the world standings. “We tipped a barrel Sunday night, and that was rider error.”

The cowgirl learned from the mistake.

“I rode a lot better, and it showed,” she said.