PHILADELPHIA -- Pennsylvania's first champion on Penn Relays weekend came in the girls high jump, as Nene Mokonchu took down a talented field on Thursday to claim the win.
Mokonchu, a Spring Ford (PA) senior, cleared 5 feet, 7.75 inches on her second attempt -- better than anyone in the field -- to win in her Penn Relays debut. After an early miss at 5-3.25, Mokonchu easily cleared 5-5.25 and 5-6.5 in ensuing attempts.
Her closest competitors, Audrey Kirkutis of Connecticut and Annishka McDonald of Jamaica, were clean over 5-6.5, but didn't get over 5-7.75.
It's been a big last few months for Mokonchu, who jumped 5-8 to win the indoor PA state title in the event. Outdoors, she's already set a PR of 5-9 at the Ron Livers Viking Invitational.
Mokonchu says she has her sights set on the 6-feet bar later this season. Watch an interview with Mokonchu below.
