JEFFERSON TWP — Mandi Moxie doesn't shrink from the pressure she feels almost on a daily basis.

Moxie, a senior on the Knoch girls cross country team, has all eyes on her, from her coaches to her competitors, to even college scouts.

But she thrives on it.

“I do pretty well under pressure,” Moxie said. “I knew it was a special year. Everyone is looking at me. I knew I was going to be under pressure.”

Moxie didn't blink Tuesday on her home course in a tri-meet against North Allegheny and Hampton. Moxie ran a school and course record time of 18 minutes, 52 seconds to place first.

Moxie broke the previous school record of 19:15 set by Jolene Kunkel.

The previous course record was 18:53 set by Vincentian Academy's Marianne Abdalah.

“I didn't even envision something like this today,” Moxie said. “It doesn't even feel real to me.”

She had run a hard race Saturday at Slippery Rock and finished with a time of 19:40 and was concerned that she wouldn't have as much in the tank Tuesday as she usually has.

After the first mile Tuesday, her time was a shade over six minutes. After her second mile, it was 12:30.

That's when Moxie began to think she could break the record.

But the runner from North Allegheny she was trailing throughout suddenly pulled out of the race, leaving Moxie in front of the pack.

And to her own devices.

“It was all on me to keep that pace going,” Moxie said. “You think it wouldn't be hard, but it is. You think, 'If I run 6:10, 6:10, 6:10 I'll have an 18:30 and break the record,' but it's not that easy.”

Knoch boys and girls cross country coach Wess Brahler had an inkling that Moxie was on to something special this year as long as six weeks ago when Moxie ran well in an exhibition meet.

“I think it's been a combination of things,” Brahler said. “She had such a great track season (last spring). I think she's finally realizing how much potential she has and has taken the next jump.

“She's focused and driven,” Brahler added. “She set her goals real high and she's very motivated. She wants to succeed so bad.”

Moxie said her goals have now changed.

They are even more lofty.

“Coach said WPIAL first place could be me,” Moxie said. “I'm totally on board with that.”

Moxie said to get to the top of that podium, the pressure will only intensify.

And she's ready for it.

“I'm guessing I will be running with the guys more than the girls so I can be pushed a lot more,” Moxie said. “I expect to be pushed harder and the pressure to rise. It's really just a mental battle.”

Moxie placed 25th at the PIAA Cross Country Championships last season.

This year, she is shooting for much higher.

“Top 15 — top 10,” Moxie said before pausing, exuding confidence. “You'll see me there.”