PHILADELPHIA, PA -- Veronica Vacca battled some tough conditions and came away with the title in the High School Girls' Pole Vault on Thursday.
The Mount Saint Joseph Academy ninth grader cleared 12 feet, 7.5 inches to take the win, despite some chilly and windy conditions on the infield of Franklin Field. Vacca, making her Penn Relays debut, continued her impressive freshman campaign with another signature victory.
The wind made vaulting difficult on Thursday afternoon, but Vacca fought through it to leave Philly with a watch and the pole vault win. Three Pennsylvania girls cracked the top five with Kennett's Kirstin Hoffman taking second with a 12-3.5 clearance and Maddy Kelley of Villa Maria taking fifth with a jump fo 11-7.75.
Vacca has jumped 13-5 this outdoor season, but she was less focused on height Thursday and competed for the win. She handled the conditions well and has a Penn Relays title to show for it.
Check out an interview with Vacca after the competition below.