Olivia Haas got her high school career off to a fast start on Friday.
The Blue Mountain freshman, who has run some quick times as a middle schooler, made her high school debut in the pouring rain at Moravian Academy for season-opening Lions Invitational. The ninth grader braved the tough conditions to run 18:53 for the win.
It was a quick start for the freshman, who said her 5K road PR is 18:18. She seized control of the race early and held on for the win.
"The conditions were tough with all the rain and it was pretty muddy, so (I) was just trying to push through that," Haas said of her debut. "I really happy with my time, especially considering the conditions."
Northern Lehigh's Reagan Pender was second, running a solid 19:07. Northwestern Lehigh was the top overall team in the meet.
Haas throws her name in the hat of an already loaded AA classification in the PIAA. But if Friday's start was any indication, the freshman could fit in well with that group of talented distance runners.
Next up for Haas is the Unionville Two Mile Bash, where she'll look to add another win in the Freshman race. Watch the race above and check out a post-race interview with Haas below, along with other meet coverage.
MORE LIONS INVITATIONAL COVERAGE