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Hinsdale Central's Haff fully impressive in Red Devil Invitational

Last year everything was new for Hinsdale Central's Alexa Haff, and as a freshman she still managed to finish second in Class 3A.

This year the sophomore is coming back better than ever.

Haff on Saturday ran to her second consecutive Red Devil Invitational title in an impressive 16:52 at Katherine Legge Memorial Park in Hinsdale.

“It was insane last year,” said Haff of her rapid rise to one of the state's elite runners. “I couldn't have done it without my teammates, coaches, and family.

“This year I know what to expect when I got here.”

Haff made her race-deciding move right before the 2-mile mark and cruised to the finish with an 11-second advantage over Glenbard West junior Lindsay Graham (17:03).

“I knew I had to push and see what I could do,” said Haff. “You always have to work and keep improving. That is what is so fun about the sport; you can always do better and improve your time.”

Defending Class 3A champion Glenbard West also looks ready to pick up where it left off. The Hilltoppers lost Madeline Perez, who finished third in Class 3A last year and won the Class 3A state title in 2012, to graduation. But the Hilltoppers showed no signs of slowing down, placing five runners in the top 15 to take the Hinsdale Central/Hinsdale South team title with 36 points.

“We're just trying to improve race to race and see where we are,” said Glenbard West coach Paul Haas. “It's a great starting point but it's a long way until November.”

Host Hinsdale Central placed four runners in the top 12 and finish second with 68 points.

Palatine put three runners in the top 24 to in securing third place with 103 points, followed by Minooka (124 points) and Naperville Central (125 points).

Graham was followed by freshman Lindsey Payne (17:23) who took third, with senior Lisa Luczak (17:31) taking fifth place to pace a devastating Hilltoppers attack.

“We've been working really hard to not only improve our fitness, but to stay injury-free,” said Graham, who took 17th in Class 3A last season. “I think we will improve as the season progresses. We want to do our best at every meet but we want to make sure that this is not the highlight.”

Junior Kathryn Kenwood (18:00) and sophomore Jamie Nabholz (18:11) kept the Hilltoppers line moving by taking 11th and 15th place to complete the scoring.

Hinsdale Central also showed it will be a force this season. Haff was followed by junior Annie Zaher (17:34, 6th), freshman Reilly Revord (18:00, 10th) and freshman Grace McCabe (18:01, 12th).

Palatine finished fourth in Class 3A last season and hope to remain in the thick of the state trophy hunt this season. Junior Kelly O'Brien (17:28) led the charge on Saturday, taking fourth place.

“It was a big learning experience,” said O'Brien who placed sixth in Class 3A last season. “I'm figuring out where to fit in, not to settle, and being on my guard and sticking with the girls. I definitely let the two front runners go.”

Senior Amy Kieliszewski (18:04) and senior Kara Burton (18:34) helped push the Pirates by taking 14th and 24th place.

Naperville Central was missing its top runner from last season, Katie Hoffman. She finished 12th in Class 3A last fall, but her triplet sister Rachel (17:51) helped to fill the gap by taking ninth Saturday. Junior Ellie Marcet (18:12) and junior Kyra Conroy (18:33) also did their part, taking 9th and 17th.

Defending Class 3A state champion Mimi Smith (17:36) took eighth place to help New Trier to a sixth-place finish with 130 points.

Sophomore Sara Atkins (18:02) and sophomore Allison McGrath (18:30) took 13th and 21st place to lead Wheaton Warrenville South to a seventh-place finish with 168 points.

Neuqua Valley (230 points), Metea Valley (251 points), and Highland Park (290 points) rounded out the top ten.

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