Pittston Area coach Vito Quaglia has been waiting for this moment all season — for his Patriots to play a full seven innings of softball.

They did on Monday.

Pittston Area knocked off defending District 2 Class AAA champions and state quarterfinalists Nanticoke, 5-0, behind the hitting and pitching of senior Taylor Baloga. The win avenged a loss to the Trojans in last year’s district quarterfinals when Nanticoke beat Pittston Area, 2-1.

Baloga pitched a complete game shutout and belted a two-run home run to lead the Patriots. Pittston Area also got three RBI from Nina Cencetti, who had two hits. Alexa McHugh had two hits for the Patriots. Baloga walked three and struck out three, while giving up just seven hits.

Pittston Area (5-4) travels to Berwick on Monday and Dallas on Tuesday.

The Warriors (5-4) didn’t play a game this week after beating Pittston Area on Saturday, April 30.

Wyoming Area’s game with Crestwood, originally scheduled for Friday, May 6, was postponed to Thursday, May 12. The Warriors will travel to Lake-Lehman on Monday and Tunkhannock on Wednesday.

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HUGHESTOWN — It may have taken nine games, but the Pittston Area girls lacrosse team now has something to hang its hat on.

The Patriots, after losing their first eight conference games of the season, rattled Tunkhannock, 16-11, to pick up the first win of the season. It was the first career lacrosse win for coach Nicole Tieso. It was Senior Day.

“It meant everything to them,” Tieso said of her seniors. “They’ve been working hard all season and they’ve come close a few times. They really pulled through and played strong the whole way. They did it for each other.”

Pittston Area, at halftime, honored its nine seniors: Haley Norwillo, Bianca Mattei-Miller, Anna McDermott, Alyssa Neare, Lucia Menichelli-Bates, Taylor Levandoski, Rachel Ferrance, Dana Zalewski and Laura Singleton. Although Norwillo is the school’s all-time leading scorer, it was also her first game of the season after recovering from a knee injury.

Norwillo scored a goal and had three assists, while fellow senior Zalewski had five goals. Seniors McDermott and Mattei-Miller each had two goals in the win. Sophomore Bailey Jordan finished with three goals, while freshman Brooklyn Pedana made 11 saves for Pittston Area. Also scoring for the Patriots were Levandoski, Nina Cirelli and Ferrance.

Tieso was happy to see Norwillo back on the field.

“It was good to have her back and she brings a presence on the field,” Tieso said. “She’s helping control for us, but the other girls have been stepping up in her absence.”

The Patriots found themselves down 11-2 after the first half against Wyoming Seminary on Thursday, but were able to cut the deficit to just 13-8. The Patriots would fall to the WVC powerhouse, 15-9.

Zalewski and Jordan each scored three goals for the Patriots. Nina Cirelli scored two goals, while Norwillo and Neare each scored one. Pedana had eight saves in the loss to a team with no conference losses this season.

Tieso said the close loss to Wyoming Seminary has given the girls confidence heading into the final weeks of the season.

“That was a very impressive game for us,” she said. “We started off very slow. We had a chat at halftime and the girls really picked it up in the second half and executed everything like we needed to do.”

Zalewski had eight goals this past week. Tieso said it’s all about the way she works to make her game better.

“She’s just been working really, really hard and making great opportunities for herself,” Tieso said. “She’s just been working hard and not giving up.”

Crestwood 14, Wyoming Area 5

Wyoming Area scored goals from five different players in Thursday’s loss to Crestwood.

Scoring for the Warriors were Caitlin Butchko, Claudia Waltz, Lila Donnelly, Jordan Kelly and Lindsey Pozaic. Wyoming Area’s Jessica Walkowiak made 13 saves on 27 shots.

What’s next

Wyoming Area will host Tunkhannock at 7 p.m. Monday, May 9 at the football stadium in West Pittston. The game is part of Senior Night for both the boys and girls teams. The boys team will play Tunkhannock at 4:30 p.m. The girls will then host Lake-Lehman on Wednesday.

Pittston Area travels to Dallas on Monday and then travel to Coughlin on Wednesday.

Pittston Area’s Bailey Jordan (22) finds a crease and scores against Wyoming Seminary on Thursday.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_PA-Sem-G-Lacrosse-4.jpgPittston Area’s Bailey Jordan (22) finds a crease and scores against Wyoming Seminary on Thursday. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch

Pittston Area’s Dana Zalewski scores one of her three goals against Wyoming Seminary on Thursday.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_PA-Sem-G-Lacrosse-3.jpgPittston Area’s Dana Zalewski scores one of her three goals against Wyoming Seminary on Thursday. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch

Pittston Area’s Haley Norwillo (1) scored the first goal for Pittston Area against Wyoming Seminary on Thursday.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_PA-Sem-G-Lacrosse-2.jpgPittston Area’s Haley Norwillo (1) scored the first goal for Pittston Area against Wyoming Seminary on Thursday. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch

Pittston Area’s Bailey Jordan (22) sets a perfect pick for teammate Haley Norwillo against Wyoming Seminary on Thursday.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_PA-Sem-G-Lacrosse-5.jpgPittston Area’s Bailey Jordan (22) sets a perfect pick for teammate Haley Norwillo against Wyoming Seminary on Thursday. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch

READING — Laflin native and Holy Redeemer graduate Marissa Durako, a King’s College senior, broke the meet record in the women’s 10,000-meter run to highlight the first night of the Middle Atlantic Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championship at Alvernia University in Reading.

Durako won the 10k in 36:51.00 to break the previous meet record of 37:01.42 set in 2009 by Amanda Daws. Durako and Veronica Wheeler of DeSales University pulled away from the rest of the field about 100 meters into the race. Durako and Wheeler ran together for the first mile and a half before Durako started to pull away. By the time they reached the 5k mark, Durako held around a 100 meter lead. Wheeler finished second in 38:04.87

The championships continued on Friday at Alvernia.

King’s College senior Marissa Durako outpaced DeSales’ Veronica Wheeler to win the 10,000-meter race at the Middle Atlantic Conference championships at Alvernia University. Here, she competes for King’s College’s cross country team last fall.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_Durako1.jpgKing’s College senior Marissa Durako outpaced DeSales’ Veronica Wheeler to win the 10,000-meter race at the Middle Atlantic Conference championships at Alvernia University. Here, she competes for King’s College’s cross country team last fall.

Rain shortened the schedule for the week, limiting both Wyoming Area and Pittston Area to a single game from Saturday through Friday.

Both teams came up with shutout wins Thursday with the Warriors using their victory to clinch no worse than a tie for the Wyoming Valley Conference Division 3 title.

Wyoming Area 1, Berwick 0

Cory Lescavage threw a two-hit shutout in the 1-0 win at Berwick as Wyoming Area moved into position to repeat as division champion.

The win improved the Warriors to 8-1 with four games remaining. Only Dallas (5-5) and Lake-Lehman (4-5) remained alive mathematically.

Mike Bonita had three hits in the win and played a strong game defensively in center field.

Lescavage needed just 87 pitches to go the distance and did not allow a runner into scoring position until one out in the seventh inning. He walked three and struck out three.

The Warriors had scoring opportunities get away in the first, third, fifth and sixth innings. They produced the game’s only run in the top of the fourth when Tyler Dougherty beat out a potential inning-ending double play for an RBI fielder’s choice.

Marc Minichello, who has been working his way back from a shoulder injury suffered in football season, made his first start at third base and was part of another strong defensive effort by the Warriors.

Wyoming Area was scheduled to return to Tunkhannock Saturday for the completion of a game that was suspended in the eighth inning, tied 4-4. A win in that, or any other game, would clinch the title repeat. The Warriors could also lock up the championship by having both Dallas and Lake-Lehman lose.

Pittston Area 9, Coughlin 0

Tyler Jackson scattered seven hits and Pittston Area also got plenty of offense when it blanked Coughlin, 9-0, in a WVC Division 1 game.

Alex McAndrew and Dylan Spurlin each had big offensive days that included a pair of doubles. McAndrew went 4-for-4 with two RBI and two runs scored. Spurlin was 3-for-4 and scored three times.

Jackson walked one and struck out three in his shutout.

Kyle O’Fier added two hits while Jackson and C.J. Pisack added doubles.

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SCRANTON – Even before the regular season is complete, track and field teams have begun the transition into the postseason with special multi-teammates.

For Pittston Area, that meant a chance to compete at Memorial Stadium, site of the May 16 District 2 Class AAA Championships, with an appearance in Thursday night’s Jordan Relays.

Wyoming Area started seeing how its strong dual-meet squads can stack up against larger fields when it turned in an impressive performance at the Cougars Twilight Invitational at Misericordia University April 30.

Jordan Relay Girls

Jenna Smith, Jessica Tighe, Jamie Chisdock and Anjelica Singer earned a silver medal, combining for second place in Class AAA in the 4×100-meter relay in the Jordan Relays with a time of 51.45 seconds.

Pittston Area had won the previous three titles in the 61-year-old event, but wound up fifth out of 11 teams in the Class AAA standings this season.

Wallenpaupack won the team title, 51-42, over Abington Heights after each school won three of the six events that make up the Jordan Relays. Pittston Area had 24 points.

The Patriots got a pair of fourth-place finishes from their mid-distance and distance runners.

Tara Johnson, Sam Mayers and Maddy Mimnaugh were part of the fourth-place finishes in both the distance medley and 4×800 relay. Mia Barbieri led off the distance medley and Arianna Boccardi led off the 4×800.

Kirsten Durling, Gianna Galli, Singer and Kayleigh Walker were fifth in the 1600 sprint medley.

Barbieri, Nicole Mayers, Mimnaugh and Tiffany Tubioli were seventh in the 4×400 relay.

Cougars Twilight Girls

Bree Bednarski won three individual events April 30 at Misericordia when Wyoming Area ran away from the pack for the team championship at the Cougars Twilight Meet.

Wyoming Area scored 192 points to lead a nine-team field. Central Columbia was a distant second with 122 5/6.

Bednarski won the 100- and 200-meter dashes as well as the javelin.

Vanessa Shedlock won the 400, Shelby Stackhouse took the 100 hurdles and Wyoming Area also won 3200 relays.

Shedlock also placed second in the triple jump and third in the 100. Stackhouse added a second in the high jump. The Warriors were second in the 400 relay.

Jillian Spak was second in the 100 hurdles and third in the 300 hurdles while Laura Heinzlmeir was second in the 3200 and third in the 1600.

Jalen Rhodes, in the 100, and Madelyn Resciniti, in the shot put, were both second. Nicole Wright was third in the javelin.

Cougars Twilight Boys

Marc Minichello and P.J. Angeli won events at the Cougars Twilight Invitational where Wyoming Area finished second of nine teams, behind only Coughlin.

Minichello won the javelin. Angeli won the triple jump.

Michael Murphy was second in the 100 and third in the 200.

Ryan Murray (high jump), Ethan Crake (110 high hurdles) and the 400 relay team all finished second.

Donovan O’Boyle was third in the 100.

Coughlin finished with 142 ½ points, 11 ahead of Wyoming Area.

Jordan Relays Boys

Matt Ambrose, Kemar Woodruff, Richard Wallace and Naseem Guillaume finished seventh in the 1200 sprint medley at the Jordan Relays.

The Patriots also had eighth-place finishes in two other events.

Pittston Area tied for 10th in Class AAA with four points.

Pittston Area girls 103, Berwick 47

Abbie Sheerer and Anjelica Singer led the way Tuesday night when Pittston Area set up a showdown for the Wyoming Valley Conference Division 1 title with a 103-47 victory over Berwick.

The Patriots will try to win their third title in four years Monday at home against Dallas. In the same scenario to end the 2015 season, Dallas ended Pittston Area’s hopes of a third straight title. Both teams are 6-0.

Sheerer won the high jump and triple jump and took second in the long jump. Singer won the 100 and long jump.

Pittston Area swept all three relays.

Berwick boys 78, Pittston Area 72

Berwick defeated Pittston Area, 78-72, in a WVC Division 1 meet Tuesday.

Colin Tracy swept the hurdles while Walter Coles won the discus and javelin for the Patriots.

Pittston Area’s Rich Wallace keeps up the pace at the Jordan Relays. Wallace was part of a team that finished seventh in the 1200 sprint medley.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_DSC02374.jpgPittston Area’s Rich Wallace keeps up the pace at the Jordan Relays. Wallace was part of a team that finished seventh in the 1200 sprint medley. Stephanie Walkowski | For Sunday Dispatch

Pittston Area’s Matt Ambrose gets off to a fast start at the Jordan Relays. Ambrose was part of a team finished seventh in the 1200 sprint medley.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_DSC02450.jpgPittston Area’s Matt Ambrose gets off to a fast start at the Jordan Relays. Ambrose was part of a team finished seventh in the 1200 sprint medley. Stephanie Walkowski | For Sunday Dispatch

Pittston Area’s Arianna Boccardi performs during the Jordan Relays. Boccardi led off the 4×800 race.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_DSC02540.jpgPittston Area’s Arianna Boccardi performs during the Jordan Relays. Boccardi led off the 4×800 race. Stephanie Walkowski | For Sunday Dispatch

Pittston Area’s Tiffany Tubioli runs with the baton at the Jordan Relays. Tubioli was part of a team that placed seventh in the 4×400 relay.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_DSC02586.jpgPittston Area’s Tiffany Tubioli runs with the baton at the Jordan Relays. Tubioli was part of a team that placed seventh in the 4×400 relay. Stephanie Walkowski | For Sunday Dispatch

Pittston Area’s Naseem Guillaume races during the Jordan Relays. Guillaume was part of a team that finished seventh in the 1200 sprint medley.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_DSC02468.jpgPittston Area’s Naseem Guillaume races during the Jordan Relays. Guillaume was part of a team that finished seventh in the 1200 sprint medley. Stephanie Walkowski | For Sunday Dispatch

Pittston Area’s Naseem Guillaume races during the Jordan Relays. Guillaume was part of a team that finished seventh in the 1200 sprint medley.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_DSC02482.jpgPittston Area’s Naseem Guillaume races during the Jordan Relays. Guillaume was part of a team that finished seventh in the 1200 sprint medley. Stephanie Walkowski | For Sunday Dispatch

DICKSON CITY — The road leading to CrossFit Vertex has holes, ruts and bumps.

Perhaps that’s fitting because there’s no easy way to what Paige Semenza wants to accomplish.

The 24-year-old Pittston native spends the week at the facility tucked off a busy Main Avenue. Her goal — to finish among the top five in the CrossFit Atlantic Regional in Atlanta from May 20-22 to qualify for the CrossFit Games in July in Carson, California.

“It’s the intensity,” Semenza said. “Every workout is different. There’s always ways of finding new challenges through it. Having to push yourself but not so much competing against other people. I like that aspect. But I also like the community aspect of it. Being here, everybody here knows each other.

“Anybody who walks in is welcomed. It’s just a great environment to be in.”

CrossFit Vertex isn’t like one of those chain fitness centers. There aren’t many frills. It’s there for high intensity workouts that combine weightlifting, gymnastics and running. Semenza works out twice a day for five days. Another day is spent doing what she calls “active recovery” which can consist of light jogging or rowing. One day is set aside for rest.

“To prepare for CrossFit, you have to fine tune your skills,” Semenza said. “It involves a lot of accessory work, the boring stuff. Also lifting. My training session will go two hours both times at the least. And to add in recovery and runs and things like that, I don’t mind spending the whole day here.”

Semenza realized that training for regionals would be difficult while holding a job. So she left her position at Mohegan Sun Casino to dedicate herself to CrossFit.

“I really enjoyed working there,” Semenza said, “but I had to make a commitment somewhere, so I stopped working about two months ago.”

Semenza had always been an outstanding athlete. After attending Pittston Area, she spent her final three years of high school at the North American Hockey Academy in Stowe, Vermont. She earned an ice hockey scholarship to Ohio State where she tied for the team lead in goals as a senior.

Once Semenza’s Ohio State hockey career ended, she had another semester remaining and was introduced to powerlifting by her friend, John Downing, who coaches the Powerlifting Club at the university. After returning to the area in January 2016, she became a volunteer ice hockey coach at Wyoming Seminary where another friend got her into CrossFit.

“From there, I started and I never stopped,” said Semenza, who has added 15-20 pounds to her 5-foot-3 frame and weighs in at 145 pounds.

The first step to the regional was the CrossFit Open. The Open started in February and went on for five weeks. Every Thursday, a workout is announced, and athletes have until Monday to do the workout and submit it online. The athletes are then ranked among competitors worldwide. Semenza finished ranked 462 in a field of over 130,000 female entrants.

Crossfit then breaks down the athletes into regions, with the top 20 women and top 20 men being invited to regional competitions. Semenza finished 29th in the Atlantic Region, but when 10 women elected to participate in the team competition she moved into the top 20.

Semenza will participate in seven events in Atlanta that test strength and endurance to different degrees within a specific time limit. There will be two the first day, three the second and two more the final day.

The first day will consist of the Snatch Ladder and Regional Nate.

The Snatch Ladder requires a series of squat snatches, where the competitor lifts a barbell from the floor and in one motion presses it overhead. The female segments are: 10 repetitions at 135 pounds; eight reps at 145; six reps at 155; four reps at 165; and two reps at 175. There is a two-minute time limit for each of the first four segments and a three-minute window to accomplish the fifth.

The Regional Nate has three contrasting strength exercises. The first is the strict muscle-ups, where competitors grasp gymnastic rings and lift themselves high enough to where their hands are level with their hips. Strict handstand push-ups follow where the body must remain vertical. Then comes 12 kettlebell snatches with a 53-pound weight. There are 10 rounds in the Regional Nate and all must be done within 20 minutes.

“The events are meant to be challenging,” Semenza said. “They’re meant to find the best of the best. I’m going to go in there confident and as prepared as I can. My coach, Kaleena (Marcavage), she’s going to get me ready.”

Paige Semenza, of Pittston, works out at CrossFit Vertex in Dickson City as she prepares for the CrossFit Atlantic Regional in Atlanta May 20-22.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_TTL050816PaigeSemenza_3-1-.jpgPaige Semenza, of Pittston, works out at CrossFit Vertex in Dickson City as she prepares for the CrossFit Atlantic Regional in Atlanta May 20-22. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader

Paige Semenza, of Pittston, does strict muscle-ups on the rings at CrossFit Vertex in Dickson City.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_TTL050816PaigeSemenza_6-1-.jpgPaige Semenza, of Pittston, does strict muscle-ups on the rings at CrossFit Vertex in Dickson City. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader

Paige Semenza, of Pittston, does squat snatches at CrossFit Vertex in Dickson City.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_TTL050816PaigeSemenza_4-1-.jpgPaige Semenza, of Pittston, does squat snatches at CrossFit Vertex in Dickson City. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader

Paige Semenza, of Pittston, works out at CrossFit Vertex in Dickson City as she prepares for the CrossFit Atlantic Regional in Atlanta May 20-22.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_TTL050816PaigeSemenza_2-1-.jpgPaige Semenza, of Pittston, works out at CrossFit Vertex in Dickson City as she prepares for the CrossFit Atlantic Regional in Atlanta May 20-22. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader

Paige Semenza, of Pittston, uses a kettlebell during a workout at CrossFit Vertex in Dickson City.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_TTL050816PaigeSemenza_5-1-.jpgPaige Semenza, of Pittston, uses a kettlebell during a workout at CrossFit Vertex in Dickson City. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader

Paige Semenza, of Pittston, works out at CrossFit Vertex in Dickson City.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_TTL050816PaigeSemenza_1-1-.jpgPaige Semenza, of Pittston, works out at CrossFit Vertex in Dickson City. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader

PLAINS TWP. — Somewhere along the route of her long-distance runs, something kicked in for Lindsey Williams.

She’s been in high gear ever since.

Williams dominated the 1,600 and 3,200 Saturday, easily winning both races while leading the Holy Redeemer girls to a resounding team victory in the 19th annual James Cross Wilkes-Barre Invitational at the Plains/Solomon track.

“It’s a lot better than last year,” Williams said of her form. “Last year, I started running better about halfway through the season. This year, I got a good start and had a good plan for what I would do. I’d say it’s definitely (because of ) Redeemer’s coaching staff. They’re so motivational, they really keep you on your toes.”

The Coughlin boys took another step on their home track, easily winning the Cross Invite with a team score of 108 points to best 16 other squads.

The Crusaders rode two victories by Ron Sepkoski in the hurdles and wins by Franco Balbuena in the 1,600, Jacob Khalife in the discus and their 400 relay team anchored by Nick Carman — whol also joined Balbuena and Sepkoski on a 1,600 relay team that placed second.

“It really means a lot,” Balbuena said, “knowing I can help keep up something that is to my coach to keep this up. I’m proud I can contribute to winning.”

Coughlin coach Paul McGrane has been a driving force behind promoting and hosting the Cross Invite, which was named in honor of former Meyers head coach and Coughlin assistant James Cross after his death in 2003 and moved from Wilkes-Barre Memorial Stadium to Plains/Solomon last year.

“One, it brings back Jimmy Cross a little bit,” said McGrane, who assisted Cross when he coached Meyers during the 1980s. “He’s done a lot for track. It’s nice to honor him. Two, it gets the kids pumped up for postseason competition.”

That’s what Williams is hoping.

She captured the 1,600 in 5:35, winning by 18 seconds, then finished the 3,200 in 11:49.9, cruising across the finish line more than a half-lap ahead of Bloomsburg’s Emily Yackiel, who finished in 12:58.3.

“It definitely sets you up for districts,” said Williams, a regular distance double-winner during a regular season who helped unbeaten Redeemer clinch at least a tie for first place in the WVC Division 2. “It gives you a good gauge of how fast you’ll go and some of the people you’ll see.”

Area track fans kept seeing Redeemer’s red and gold uniforms flashing across the finish line first.

Williams’ teammates kept piling up wins as the Royals ripped off 120 points to distance themselves from second-place Coughlin, which finished with 74 points, in the 14-team girls field. Redeemer’s Molly Holmes in the 80, Autumn Kaminski in the 300 hurdles and Caroline Banas in the high jump all took home gold medals, as did Redeemer’s 3,200 relay team — which also included Holmes.

Coughlin’s Madisyn Hawkins broke her own school record in the pole vault, winning the girls event with a height of 12-feet.

“I’m really happy I got that. It means a lot to me,” Hawkins said. “I was really confident with my jumps. I went to a bigger pole, and it helped me. But using a new pole, I was a little nervous.”

Coughlin’s 5-foot phenom made an attempt at the meet record of 12-3, but fell a little short and settled for her new school mark.

“I don’t really think it makes a difference,” Hawkins said of her size. “I feel it’s all about speed, technique, strength. There’s a lot more to it than you might think.”

Meyers doesn’t know what to think.

The Mohawks lost a key man from their lineup at an invitational for the second straight week when star distance and relay runner Rudy Rivera limped off with a quad injury.

Rivera was battling for the lead down the homestretch of the 800 when he crumpled to the track in agony. He was helped from the infield, and came out of the trainer’s room on crutches with his leg heavily taped with large ice bags.

This, after Meyers star hurdler Raheem Twyman —the Cross Invite record holder in the 300 hurdles — didn’t compete Saturday and missed a regular-season meet against Nanticoke Area on Wednesday after he tweaked his hip flexor muscle competing in the Lock Haven Invitational the previous Saturday.

Twyman is expected to return to the Mohawks lineup in time for Tuesday’s battle of unbeatens with Hanover Area with the Wyoming Valley Conference Division 2 boys title on the line at Wilkes-Barre Memorial Stadium, but Rivera may not be cleared in time to join him.

“Too early to tell right now,” Meyers coach Hayden White said. “We just got a preliminary evaluation, we’ll know more Monday. It’s the bottom part of his quad.

“Our Saturday meets haven’t been too good to us.”

James Cross Wilkes-Barre Invitational

Boys

1. Coughlin (Cou) 142.5; 2. Hanover Area (Han) 60; 3. Holy Redeemer (HR) 51; 4. Meyers (Mey) 58; 5. Holy Redeemer (HR) 51; 6. Wyoming Valley West (WVW) 42; 7. Northwest (NW) 39; 8. Wyoming Area (WA) 31.5; 9. Bloomsburg (Bloom) 29; 10. Pittston Area (PA) 25; 11. Scranton (Scr) 22; 12. Crestwood (Crest) 18; 13. Mountain View (MV) 16; 14. Carbondale (Carb) 9; 15. Nanticoke Area (Nan) 5; 16. Columbia County Christian (CC) 5; 17. Scranton Prep (Prep) 4; 18. Western Wayne (WW) 1.

3,200 relay — 1. Mey (Kosloski, Magnat, Rinaldi, Rivera) 8:33; 2. HR; 3. Bloom. 110 hurdles — 1. Cou, Sepkoski 15.4; 2. Mey, Wilborn; 3. Cou, Kozerski. 100 — 1. Cou, Todd 11.2; 2. NW, Kennedy; 3. Cou, Carman. 1,600 — 1. Cou, Balbuena 4:42; 2. HR, Volpetti; 3. MV, Virtitsky. 400 — 1. WVW, Richard 50.3; 2. Mey, Snyder; 3. WVW, Forgash. 400 relay — 1. Cou (Brown, Horan, Todd, Carman) 43.9; 2. Mey; 3. Bloom. 300 hurdles — 1. Cou, Sepkoski 40.8; 2. HR, Weybrecht; 3. Scr, Darjee. 800 — 1. Scr, Lopez 2:01.8; 2. Cou, Balbuena; 3. Crest, Klusewitz. 200 — 1. NW, Kennedy 22.4; 2. Han, Chesson; 3. Cou, Carman. 3,200 — 1. HR, Hoda 10:23.7; 2. HR, Zapusek; 3. Mey, Kosloski. 1,600 relay — 1. WVW (Bobkowski, Forgash, Richard, Webb) 3:27; 2. Cou; 3. Scr.

High jump — 1. Han, Minich 6-04; 2. PA, Ambrose and PA, Moska. Pole vault — 1. MV, Nally 13-04; 2. NW, Krouse; 3. Cou, Credle. Long jump — 1. Han, Chafin 21-07; 2. Han, Bruckner; 3. Mey, Robinson. Triple jump — 1. Han, Bruckner 41-07.50; 2. Cou, Horan; 3. NW, Kennedy. Shot put — 1. WVW, Wozniak 52-0; 2. Cou, Khalife; 3. Cou, Krokos. Discus — 1. Cou, Khalife 138-0; 2. Mey, Telesco; 3. Carb, Houman. Javelin — 1. WA, Minichello 171-11; 2. Bloom, Knapp; 3. PA, Coles.

Girls

1. Holy Redeemer (HR) 134; 2. Coughlin (Cou) 80; 3. Pittston Area (PA) 52; 4. Wyoming Area (WA) 51; 5. Northwest (NW) 47; 6. Bloomsburg (Bloom) 40; 7. Wyoming Valley West (WVW) 30; 8. Meyers (Mey) 20; 9. Dallas (Dal) 19.5; 10. Nanticoke Area (Nan) 15; 11. Crestwood (Crest) 12; 12. Carbondale (Carb) 7; 13. Hanover Area (Han) 5; 14. Mountain View (MV) 4.

3,200 relay — 1. HR (Greer, Holmes, Hons, Manley) 10:40; 2. NW; 3. Crest. 110 hurdles — 1. HR, Kaminski 15.9; 2. WA, Stacklhouse; 3. Mey, Adams. 100 — 1. HR, Lukowski 12.4; 2. WVW, Dellarte; 3. WA, Rhodes. 1,600 — 1. HR, Williams 5:35; 2. WA, Heinzlmeir; 3. Cou, Fortune. 400 — 1. Bloom, Fogelsanger 1:00.5; 2. Cou, Bourdeau; 3. HR, Banas. 400 relay — 1. Cou (Tona, Bourdeau, Panattieri, Berry) 50.9; 2. Bloom; 3. Mey. 300 hurdles — 1. HR, Kaminski 47.1; 2. Cou, Tona; 3. WA, Astolfi. 800 — 1. HR, Holmes 2:32.5; 2. HR, Hons; 3. NW, Everett. 200 — 1. Nan, Lukowski 25.8; 2. WVW, Dellarte; 3. Bloom, Thrash. ;3,200 — 1. HR, Williams 11:49.9; 2. Bloom, Yackiel; 3. HR, Greer. 1,600 relay — 1. Cou (Bourdeau, Berry, Panattieri, Tona) 4:14; 2. HR; 3. NW.

High jump — 1. HR, Banas 5-04; 2. HR, Kerestes; 3. Cou, Berry. Pole vault — 1. 2. 3. ; Long jump — 1. Cou, Panattieri 16-08; 2. PA, Singer; 3. WVW, Blannard. Triple jump — 1. WVW, Blannard 35-04; 2. PA, Sheerer; 3. Cou, Panattieri. Shot put — 1. Dal, Kochanski 360-01.50; 2. HR, Christian; 3. Crest, Shipton. Discus — 1. PA, O’Brien 129-24; 2. Dal, Kochanski; 3. HR, Hilenski. Javelin — 1. PA, Ashby 36-01.50; 2. HR, Christian; 3. PA, O’Brien.

Hanover Area’s Brandon Chafin soars before landing his triple jump during the James Cross Invitational in Plains Township on Saturday afternoon.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_cross-2.jpgHanover Area’s Brandon Chafin soars before landing his triple jump during the James Cross Invitational in Plains Township on Saturday afternoon.

Coughlin’s Kevin Kozerski clears a hurdle en route to winning his heat in the 110-meter hurdles at the James Cross Invitational in Plains Township on Saturday afternoon. Kozerski finished second overall to teammate Ron Sepkoski in the event.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_cross-5.jpgCoughlin’s Kevin Kozerski clears a hurdle en route to winning his heat in the 110-meter hurdles at the James Cross Invitational in Plains Township on Saturday afternoon. Kozerski finished second overall to teammate Ron Sepkoski in the event.

Wyoming Area’s Shelby Stackhouse, left, clears a hurdle en route to winning her heat in the 100-meter hurdles at the James Cross Invitational in Plains Township on Saturday afternoon.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_cross-3.jpgWyoming Area’s Shelby Stackhouse, left, clears a hurdle en route to winning her heat in the 100-meter hurdles at the James Cross Invitational in Plains Township on Saturday afternoon.

Dallas’ Kaitlyn Kochanski prepares to launch her shot put at the James Cross Invitational in Plains Township on Saturday afternoon. Kochanski captured the event’s gold medal with a throw of 36-01 1/2.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_cross-4.jpgDallas’ Kaitlyn Kochanski prepares to launch her shot put at the James Cross Invitational in Plains Township on Saturday afternoon. Kochanski captured the event’s gold medal with a throw of 36-01 1/2.

KINGSTON TWP. — Tony Korch ran to his fifth win in the Spring Trail Run “Jen Stec Memorial” at Frances Slocum State Park on Sunday.

The 56-year-old from Nanticoke finished the 5.3 miler, which was run as an age group handicap race, in 52 minutes and 14 seconds.

In the age group handicap race, the clock starts ticking when the older runners head out in the first heat, giving them a head start. So Korch’s actual finishing time, once you subtract the time delay under which he ran, was 37:32.

Sunday’s race marked the third time the event was run as the Jen Stec Memorial. Stec, who was an avid trail race runner, died following a heart attack in October 2013 at age 38. Stec won the spring race six times. And she won the fall version of the race twice.

Korch, who has won the fall race four times, was Stec’s training partner and best friend. Stec’s parents, Tony and Coreen, were present at the race.

“I would like to thank the Wyoming Valley Striders for having a race in Jen’s name,” Korch said following his victory. “I’m happy that Jen’s parents were here today for the race. And I’m glad I still can compete and run hard at my age.”

Running hard is the only way Melissa Delfino runs a race.

The 47-year-old from Dunmore was the first female finisher, clocking in at 1:00:46 in ninth place. Her actual finishing time was 46:32.

“I just run as hard as I can — that’s the way I always run,” said Delfino, who is a physical education teacher at Moscow Elementary Center in the North Pocono School District.

Delfino, who has been running for eight years, recently finished her third Boston Marathon. She finished “The Race” in 3 hours and 48 minutes, which qualified her to run Boston again next year.

“I love trail races,” she said. “Running on the earth is a lot more enjoyable than running on roads. I think God intended for us to run on earth.”

Note: The handicaps were determined by the World Masters Association, an organization that collects stats on just how much runners slow down with age.

Wyoming Valley Striders 25th annual Spring Trail

(5.3 mile) Run (an age group handicap race) results

Top 20 award winners

Tony Korch, 56, Nanticoke, 52:14

Joe Drumsta, 47, Scranton, 57:03

Aaron Stredny, 35, Forty Fort, 57:03

Randy Lyback, 46, Dupont, 58:12

Bill Fiore, 65, Clarks Green, 58:49

Leo Turissini, 64, Scott Twp., 59:28

Markus Anttila, 36, Dunmore 59:46

Dan Rosa, 46, W. Pittston, 1:00:16

Melissa Delfino, 47, Dunmore, 1:00:31

Jeff Baran, 55, Beer Creek Twp., 1:00:46

Mike Kerrick, 27, Clarks Summit, 1:02:16

Debbie Alunni, 64, Jessup, 1:02:34

Ron Lozowski,46, Warren Glen, NJ, 1:02:51

Ashley Shamus, 28, Clarks Summit, 1:03:32

Virginia Reinert, 26 Dallas, 1:03:50

Tony Cerminaro, 79, Jermyn, 1:04:00

Irene Ghezzi, 54, Dallas, 1:04:17

Bob Guzenski, 48, Swoyersville, 1:04:36

George Watson, 30, Dickson City, 1:04:45

Jill Matthews, 36, Ashley, 1:05:08

Field: 67 (39 males, 24 females, four no shows ). Official starter and timing: Vince P. Wojnar. Race directors: Linda Wojnar and Don Grose.

Schedule

Sunday: River Street 3 Mile Run/Walk at Jewish Community Center, S. River St., Wilkes-Barre at 10:30 a.m. Info: Bill Buzza, 570-824-4646.

Saturday, May 21: The Wilkes-Barre Racing at Harveys Lake races have been canceled.

Monday, May 30 (Memorial Day): Old Fort 5 Miler at Betty Mascelli Borough Park, Wyoming Ave, Forty Forty at 9 a.m. Info: Bernie Popson, 570-498-7665.

Saturday, June 4: West Pittston Anthracite 4 Mile Run at W. Pittston Borough Building, Exeter Ave., W. Pittston at 9 a.m. Info: Don Sherrer, 570-357-9944.

A pack of runners start the Jen Stec Memorial race at France Slocum State Park on Sunday. 5/8/16. Sean McKeag | Times Leader

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_TTL050916Run1.jpgA pack of runners start the Jen Stec Memorial race at France Slocum State Park on Sunday. 5/8/16. Sean McKeag | Times Leader

Daniel Zola, left, of West Hazleton, and Ryan Wenrich, of Wyoming, round the bend in the Jen Stec Memorial race at France Slocum State Park on Sunday. 5/8/16. Sean McKeag | Times Leader

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_TTL050916Run2.jpgDaniel Zola, left, of West Hazleton, and Ryan Wenrich, of Wyoming, round the bend in the Jen Stec Memorial race at France Slocum State Park on Sunday. 5/8/16. Sean McKeag | Times Leader

Tony Korch, 56, of Nanticoke, makes his way to the finish line to recieve first place for the males with a time of 52:13 during the Jen Stec Memorial trail run at Frances Slocum State Park on Sunday. 5/8/16. Sean McKeag | Times Leader

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_TTL050916Run3.jpgTony Korch, 56, of Nanticoke, makes his way to the finish line to recieve first place for the males with a time of 52:13 during the Jen Stec Memorial trail run at Frances Slocum State Park on Sunday. 5/8/16. Sean McKeag | Times Leader

Melissa Delfino, 47, of Dunmore, gets first place for the females during the Jim Stec Memorial trail run at Frances Slocum State Park on Sunday afternoon. 5/8/16. Sean McKeag | Times Leader

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_TTL050916Run4.jpgMelissa Delfino, 47, of Dunmore, gets first place for the females during the Jim Stec Memorial trail run at Frances Slocum State Park on Sunday afternoon. 5/8/16. Sean McKeag | Times Leader

YATESVILLE — On Thursday, May 5, the Pittston Area junior high track and field team hosted Berwick at Charley Trippi Stadium. Pittston Area swept the meet, with the boys winning 94-51, while the girls came out on top 96-53.

Pittston Area’s Isabella Wesolowski leaps over the high jump bar during a junior high meet against Berwick on Thursday at Charley Trippi Stadium.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_JHtrack.spt_.jpgPittston Area’s Isabella Wesolowski leaps over the high jump bar during a junior high meet against Berwick on Thursday at Charley Trippi Stadium. Nick Wagner | Sunday Dispatch

Pittston Area’s Hannah Waleski leaps over the high jump bar during a junior high meet against Berwick on Thursday at Charley Trippi Stadium.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_JHtrack2.jpgPittston Area’s Hannah Waleski leaps over the high jump bar during a junior high meet against Berwick on Thursday at Charley Trippi Stadium. Nick Wagner | Sunday Dispatch

Pittston Area’s Tony Molinaro competes in the 3,200 run during a junior high meet against Berwick on Thursday at Charley Trippi Stadium.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_JHtrack3.jpgPittston Area’s Tony Molinaro competes in the 3,200 run during a junior high meet against Berwick on Thursday at Charley Trippi Stadium. Nick Wagner | Sunday Dispatch

Pittston Area’s Hannah Getz competes in the long jump during a junior high meet against Berwick on Thursday at Charley Trippi Stadium.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_JHtrack4.jpgPittston Area’s Hannah Getz competes in the long jump during a junior high meet against Berwick on Thursday at Charley Trippi Stadium. Nick Wagner | Sunday Dispatch

Pittston Area’s Nicole Zambetti competes in the 3,200 run during a junior high meet against Berwick on Thursday at Charley Trippi Stadium.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_JHtrack5.jpgPittston Area’s Nicole Zambetti competes in the 3,200 run during a junior high meet against Berwick on Thursday at Charley Trippi Stadium. Nick Wagner | Sunday Dispatch

EXETER — The Wyoming Area baseball team recently held Meet the Warriors at the high school cafeteria following a mass at St. Barbara’s Parish. After the event, the Wyoming Area Diamond Club hosted a dedication ceremony of a newly purchased scoreboard at the Atlas Field in West Pittston.

The scoreboard was dedicated in honor of the late John “Beno” Borzell, a former WA baseball player who lost his life in 2011. Borzell, a 2007 Wyoming Area graduate, was 22 when he died. He graduated from Wilkes University in 2011. His name is now displayed on the scoreboard behind the center field fence. The Borzell family and the baseball team gathered near the pitcher’s mound to power up the scoreboard which was lit up with 17s, Borzell’s uniform number, during the dedication ceremony.

State Rep. Aaron Kaufer was also on hand along with school board members and faculty.

Wyoming Area baseball seniors Tyler Dougherty, Cory Lescavage and JJ Neely represent the senior class at this year’s Meet the Warriors.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_MTW_Seniors.jpgWyoming Area baseball seniors Tyler Dougherty, Cory Lescavage and JJ Neely represent the senior class at this year’s Meet the Warriors. Submitted photo

Wyoming Area senior JJ Neely received the 2016 Melberger Award, presented by manager Ron Musto.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_Neely_MelbergerAward.jpgWyoming Area senior JJ Neely received the 2016 Melberger Award, presented by manager Ron Musto. Submitted photo

The Borzell family stands in silence as the new scoreboard at Atlas Field shows 17s, in memory of John ‘Beno’ Borzell, a former WA baseball player who died in 2011.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_SBD_BorzellFamily.jpgThe Borzell family stands in silence as the new scoreboard at Atlas Field shows 17s, in memory of John ‘Beno’ Borzell, a former WA baseball player who died in 2011. Submitted photo

The Wyoming Area baseball team and the Borzell family pose in front of the new scoreboard at Atlas Field.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_SBD_TeamBorzells.jpgThe Wyoming Area baseball team and the Borzell family pose in front of the new scoreboard at Atlas Field. Submitted photo

LEHMAN TWP. — Before Wyoming Area worries about the dominoes falling precisely elsewhere, it has to take care of the ones right in front of them.

The first of three dominoes the Warriors needed to knock off this week fell Monday.

Wyoming Area had its second-biggest inning of the season, scoring seven times in the third to rout Lake-Lehman 11-0 in a Wyoming Valley Conference Division 2 softball game.

Winning pitcher Gwen Glatz, Grace Gober and Kristi Skok all knocked in two runs for Wyoming Area (7-4), the defending divisional champion who hopes to catch Nanticoke (8-2) and Tunkhannock (7-2).

Wyoming Area gets a crack at Tunkhannock on Wednesday and plays Nanticoke on May 18. The Warriors host Crestwood in a make-up game on Tuesday. If they win all those games, the most realistic scenario is for Nanticoke to defeat Tunkhannock on May 16 and then lose to Division 1 leader Hazleton Area on May 17. All that would create a three-way tie.

“We can do it,” senior center fielder Bree Bednarski said. “These next games we all have to stick together and work hard.”

Far-fetched? A little, but things fell into place last year for Wyoming Area late in the season.

“I think personally as long as we stay on track and keep hitting and fielding and supporting each other anything is possible at this point,” said Gober, who had an RBI in the seven-run third. “I’m really excited to see what comes for us.”

Runs have been at a premium for Wyoming Area for most of the season. The Warriors haven’t scored more than five runs in a game since a season-opening 13-2 victory over Lehman. In that game, they had an eight-run inning. So Monday’s seven-run inning was a welcomed sight.

“Anytime we can hit the ball it’s a plus for us,” Wyoming Area coach John McNeil said. “We’re heading to Tunkhannock on Wednesday and we’re hoping this will carry over.”

Glatz had an RBI double in the third, her second run-scoring double of the game. Skok drove home a pair of runs with a single. Gober had an RBI single, while Bednarski and Vicki Remley plated runs on groundouts.

Lehman’s defense didn’t help matters, either, as Wyoming Area sent seven batters to the plate with two outs. The Black Knights (3-9) committed five errors in the inning and finished with nine overall. Miscues hurt in the first two innings as Wyoming Area took a 4-0 lead with just one hit — Glatz’s ground-rule double in the first.

“Normally, our defense is pretty strong. It’s been our offense that has been weaker,” Lehman coach Nicole Chipego said. “Wyoming Area hit the ball and played like they normally do, which is well. Our girls didn’t pick up the slack.”

Corinna Scoblick, Lehman’s second batter of the game, doubled to left. Chloe VanGorder followed and reached on an error. That was the extent of the offense. No other Black Knight hit the ball out of the infield the rest of the game. The only one to reach base was Jill Ambrose, who walked to start the second inning.

Glatz threw a solid game for Wyoming Area, striking out four and getting nine outs on grounders. She retired the final 12 batters after issuing the walk to Ambrose.

MMI Prep 12, GAR 2

The Preppers broke open a tight game with eight runs in the fourth inning and ended it in the fifth. Desiree Dinko went 3 for 4 with two doubles and struck out four for the win.

Breonna Hanahan (2 for 3) tripled for the Grenadiers.

Wyoming Valley West 3,

Crestwood 1

Melodi Raskiewicz allowed one earned run with seven strikeouts in a complete game performance for the Spartans. Audi Welles doubled as a part of a three-hit day at the plate. Erin Gibbons had a double and two RBI.

Jordan Olenginski and Haley Naperkowski each hit safely twice for the Comets.

Hazleton Area 11,

Coughlin 1 (5 inn.)

Megan Trivelpiece struck out four and scattered seven hits as Hazleton Area defeated Coughlin.

Pittston Area 4,

Berwick 3 (9 inn.)

Pittston Area tied the game with two runs in the seventh and then won it with a run in the ninth to keep its slim Division 1 title hopes alive.

Lexi Felinski was 2 for 5 with a double for Pittston Area. Mindina Lieback was 2 for 5 with an RBI. Taylor Baloga was the winning pitcher, allowing three hits.

Brooke Stout and Emma Stoker knocked in runs in Berwick’s three-run first inning.

Northwest 7, Meyers 3

Nicole Cragle pitched 6 2/3 innings of relief for the Rangers to hold Meyers to three hits and one earned run. Cragle struck out three and walked one.

Liz Gurzynski drove in three RBI. Brenna Babcock had a double and an RBI.

Brittany Delcastillo hit safely twice for the Mohawks.

H.S. SOFTBALL

Wyoming Area 11, Lake-Lehman 0 (5 inn.)

Wyo Area`AB`R`H`BI

Bednarski cf`3`1`1`1

Remley 2b`4`1`0`1

Taddei ph`1`0`0`0

Coolbaugh c`2`2`0`0

Kelly ph`1`0`1`0

Glatz p`3`2`2`2

Rescintti ph`1`0`0`0

Gober dp`3`1`1`2

Nametko 1b`4`1`0`0

Skok 3b`3`1`2`2

Gross ph`1`0`0`0

Karcutskie rf`3`1`0`0

Bellanco ph`1`0`0`0`

Kopetchney lf`4`1`1`1

Parente ss`1`0`0`0`

Totals`35`11`9`9

Lehman`AB`R`H`BI

Hodle 2b`2`0`0`0

Scoblick cf`2`0`1`0

VanGorder c`2`0`0`0

Konopki ss`2`0`0`0

Hogan p`2`0`0`0

Ambrose 3b`1`0`0`0

Parry lf`2`0`0`0

Salus rf`1`0`0`0

Hutchins ph`1`0`0`0

Kline dp`2`0`0`0

Egan 1b`0`0`0`0

Totals`17`0`1`0

Wyoming Area`317`00`—`11

Lake-Lehman`000`00`—`0

2B – Glatz 2, Scoblick.

Wyo Area`IP`H`R`ER`BB`SO

Glatz (W)`5.0`1`0`0`1`4

Lehman`IP`H`R`ER`BB`SO

Hogan (L)`2.0`3`7`1`3`2

Hodle`3.0`6`4`0`0`1

MMI Prep 12, GAR 2 (5 inn.)

MMI Prep` `030`81`—`12

GAR` `200`00`—`2

Pitching — W: Desiree Dinko 5 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K. L: Lindsey Quinn 5 IP, 6 H, 12 R, 7 ER, 4 BB, 3 K.

2B — MMI, Dana Carrato, Dinko 2; 3B — GAR, Breonna Hanahan

Top hitters — MMI, Dinko 3-4; GAR, Hanahan 2-3

Wyo. Valley West 3, Crestwood 1

Wyo. Val. West`003`000`0`—`3

Crestwood`000`000`1`—`1

Pitching — WVW, Melodi Raskiewicz, 7 IP, 9 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 7 SO; CRE, Katie Thomas, 7 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 0 SO

2B — WVW, Audi Welles, Erin Gibbons.

Top hitters — WVW, Welles, 3 hits; Gibbons 2 RBI; Katie Rincavage, 1 RBI. CRE, Jordan Olenginski, 2 hits; Haley Naperkowski, 2 hits; Sarah Macko, RBI

Pittston Area 4, Berwick 3 (9 inn.)

Pittston Area`000`100`201`—`4

Berwick`300`000`000`—`3

Pitching — PA, Taylor Baloga (W); BER, Kylie Levan (L).

2B — PA, Lexi Felinski; BER, Shea Petty.

Top hitters — BER, Petty 1-3; Brooke Stout 1-4, RBI; Emma Stoker 1-4, RBI; PA, Felinski 2-5; Mindina Lieback 2-5, RBI; Baloga 2-3; Julie Silinskie 1-3.

Northwest 7, Meyers 4

Meyers`300`010`0`—`4

Northwest`320`110`x`—`7

Pitching — MEY, Lexi Bruno, 6 IP, 2 H, 7 R, 5 ER, 15 BB, 3 SO; NW, Brooke Harvey .1 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 1 SO; Nicole Cragle 6.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 SO

2B — MEY, Bruno; NW, Brenna Babcock

Top hitters — MEY, Brittany Delcastillo 2-4 run, Bruno 1-3 RBI; NW, Babcock 1-2 RBI, Liz Gurzynski 1-3 3 RBI

Lake-Lehman shortstop Cassie Konopki makes a throw to first baseman Kayley Egan to put out Wyoming Area’s Julia Kopetchney in the third inning Monday.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_wya_sb1_faa-1-1-1.jpgLake-Lehman shortstop Cassie Konopki makes a throw to first baseman Kayley Egan to put out Wyoming Area’s Julia Kopetchney in the third inning Monday. Fred Adams | for Times Leader

Annie Karcutskie (15) gives a high five to Heather Nametko after she scored on a hit by Kristi Skok in the third inning Monday.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_wyo_sb2_faa-1-1-1.jpgAnnie Karcutskie (15) gives a high five to Heather Nametko after she scored on a hit by Kristi Skok in the third inning Monday. Fred Adams | for Times Leader

She’s not a rookie by any sense of the word. She’s already a veteran on the King’s College cross country team.

Marissa Durako, however, participated this year on King’s College’s very first track and field squad. Durako, a junior, culminated her season by taking a pair of championships, along with top “rookie” honors.

Durako, a Laflin native and Holy Redeemer graduate, won the 5,000-meter run, the 10,000-meter run, and was named women’s Rookie of the Year as King’s placed seventh at the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Championships held at Alvernia University.

“I’ve been really itching to be a MAC champion every since I started this journey,” she said. “To realize it was coming was really amazing. I worked so hard for it and to see the smiles on my parents’ faces and on my coaches’ faces — they knew how much I wanted it.”

It was announced last April that King’s would create its first track and field team in 2016. Durako’s cross country coach, Mike Kolinovsky, was to take over the King’s program, so it was a no-brainer for Durako to take part in the track and field program, she said. Durako also participated in track and field in high school.

Durako made the team’s first MAC outdoor championship experience an exciting one for the King’s family.

On Thursday, May 5, Durako won the 10k in 36:51.00 to break the previous meet record of 37:01.42 set in 2009 by Amanda Daws. Durako and Veronica Wheeler, of DeSales University, pulled away from the rest of the field about 100 meters into the race. Durako and Wheeler ran together for the first mile and a half before Durako started to pull away. By the time they reached the 5k mark, Durako held around a 100-meter lead. Wheeler finished second in 38:04.87.

Durako came back on Saturday to take the 5k in a time of 17:44.37. She admitted her main focus was on the 10k. However, she was able to turn in a personal best time by 28 seconds in the 5k.

“I went into it feeling confident but not really nervous,” she said. “That really helped. I wanted to stay with the lead pack and then break away with about a mile to go. I kept going and kept pressing.”

A few months back, Durako competed in her first indoor track and field season for King’s. It was a big adjustment for her, she said, especially running on a track that was just 200 meters as opposed to 400.

“I was disappointed with my performances at indoors,” she said. “I knew I wanted to come back and show everyone what I could do in the outdoor season.”

Durako is no stranger to success on the track or on the course. While running cross country for King’s for the past several years, Durako has become a staple at the MAC championships. She placed fourth at the 2015 championships and eighth at the NCAA Mid-East Regionals to qualify for the NCAA Division 3 National Championships. She also set school records in the 6k during the season.

In all, she is a two-time All-MAC cross country selection. During all of this, Durako has maintained an impressive grade-point average that led to her selection on the 10-runner MAC Fall Academic Honor Roll.

Hanging up her cleats, for now

Once this track and field season is over, Durako will hang up her running shoes for a full year. According to Durako, the fourth year of the five-year physician assistant program at King’s is too intense to be involved in sports. Therefore, she will red-shirt her senior year and coming back for a fifth and final year.

“I won’t be able to be with my team as much, but I will take advantage of the time I have,” she said.

Durako said there is currently a fifth-year physician assistant student on the team, so it can be done.

As far as her extended offseason, Durako will stay loose as much as she can.

“I’ll be training as much as I possibly can through this whole process,” she said. “I’m in my prime right now so I want to keep performing at a high level.”

One last chance

Durako finished fourth in last fall’s MAC Cross Country Championships and qualified for the NCAA Championships. This spring, she is ranked 28th in the nation in the 10k. The top 23 runners from across the country are invited to the national championships later this month. Durako said she believes she must shave around 30 or 40 seconds off her time to qualify.

Her last chance to qualify will be a meet at Widener University on Wednesday, May 18.

“There’s no sense in not trying,” she said.

Durako is the daughter of Ann Marie and Andrew Durako, Laflin.

Durako

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_Durako_Marissa_copy.jpgDurako

Marissa Durako, center, stands on the podium after winning the 10k at the Middle Atlantic Conference Championships at Alvernia University.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_Durako1-1.jpgMarissa Durako, center, stands on the podium after winning the 10k at the Middle Atlantic Conference Championships at Alvernia University. Submitted photo

King’s College’s Marissa Durako runs ahead of DeSales University’s Veronica Wheeler on her way to win the 10k at the Middle Atlantic Conference Championships.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_Kings_TF_Durako2-copy.jpgKing’s College’s Marissa Durako runs ahead of DeSales University’s Veronica Wheeler on her way to win the 10k at the Middle Atlantic Conference Championships. Submitted photo

King’s College’s Marissa Durako runs ahead of the pack on her way to winning the 5k at the Middle Atlantic Conference Championships.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_Durako_Marissa2-copy.jpgKing’s College’s Marissa Durako runs ahead of the pack on her way to winning the 5k at the Middle Atlantic Conference Championships. Submitted photo

May 2006

Jake Buczynski pitched a complete game, six-hitter as the Pittston Area baseball team took down Crestwood, 4-1, on Senior Day.

Buczynski walked two, struck out five and didn’t allow an earned run. The win kept Pittston Area mathematically alive for the Wyoming Valley Conference Division 1 crown. The win marked the Patriots first win of the season where pitcher George Dructor wasn’t on the mound.

May 1996

Gina Testa scored two goals as Pittston Area easily took care of rival Seton Catholic, 4-0, in a WVC girls soccer battle.

Tara Kilcullen made nine saves for the Patriots, while Diana Marsh and Nicole Tieso each scored for Pittston Area. Melissa Reynolds had 12 stops in goal for the Eagles.

May 1986

The Pittston Area and Wyoming Area softball teams were eliminated from the Wyoming Valley Conference Class AAA playoffs with losses to Crestwood and Nanticoke, respectively.

Wyoming Area finished the season at 13-6, while Pittston Area was 12-7. Karen Lipka and Pam Cegelka each drove in runs in Wyoming Area’s loss to Nanticoke. Sharon Hazenski had a bases-clearing double to drive in three runs in Pittston Area’s 6-5 loss to Crestwood.

May 1976

The annual Phil Campenni Memorial Bowling Tournament was held. First place went to Dominick Policare and he received his trophy from Sam Campenni. Albert DeGrose received the second place trophy.

Pittston Area’s Jake Buczynski delivers a pitch against Crestwood during a game in 2006.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_Buczynski_06-1.jpgPittston Area’s Jake Buczynski delivers a pitch against Crestwood during a game in 2006. Sunday Dispatch File Photo

Dominick Policare won the championship of the Phil Campenni Memorial Bowling Tournament. From left, first row, Sam Campenni and Dominick Policare. Second row, Walker Mastruzzo, Ross Mastruzzo, Albert DeGrose and Norman Gayz.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_Campenni_76-1.jpgDominick Policare won the championship of the Phil Campenni Memorial Bowling Tournament. From left, first row, Sam Campenni and Dominick Policare. Second row, Walker Mastruzzo, Ross Mastruzzo, Albert DeGrose and Norman Gayz. Sunday Dispatch File Photo

Seniors on the Wyoming Area softball team in May 1986 were, kneeling, Jennifer Kolis. Standing, from left, Maureen Matys, Sharlene Severnak, Karen Kipka and Joy Switzer.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_Warriors_86-1.jpgSeniors on the Wyoming Area softball team in May 1986 were, kneeling, Jennifer Kolis. Standing, from left, Maureen Matys, Sharlene Severnak, Karen Kipka and Joy Switzer. Sunday Dispatch File Photo

Local dentist, Shawn M. J. Casey, D.M.D., has been named the honorary chairperson of the 2016 Miles for Michael Golf Tournament, which will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, July 29 at Blue Ridge Trail Golf Club in Mountain Top. The cost of a foursome is $500. For more information regarding the tournament, or the charity, call 570-654-5505 or email info@milesformichael.org. In photo, from left, first row, are committee members Bill Joyce, Jr., Shawn M. J. Casey, Joe Joyce. Second row, Bill Joyce, Sr., Erin Ostroski, Mary Rossi, Kristy Rosiak, Heather Bailey, and Shane Ostroski.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_M4MCommittee2016-4×6-1-1.jpgSubmitted photo

MOUNTAIN TOP — The Second Annual Wyoming Area Catholic Golf Tournament will be held on Saturday, May 28 at the Blue Ridge Golf Course in Mountain Top.

The tournament begins at 11:30 a.m. with registration followed by lunch and putting contest. At 1:30 p.m. there will be a shot gun start with a captain and crew format, a long drive competition and a closest to the pin contest. A hole-in-one contest will be sponsored by Ken Pollock Auto Group.

After tournament play there will a cash bar and buffet dinner beginning at 6 p.m. with a basket raffle.

The cost of the tournament is as follows: individual, $95; foursome, $380; dinner only, $55; and hole sponsor, $100.

To register, call Wyoming Area Catholic School at 570-654-7982.

The Second Annual Wyoming Area Catholic Golf Tournament will be held on Saturday, May 28 at the Blue Ridge Golf Course in Mountain Top. In photo, from left, Christine Romani, Tony Orlando, Eileen Rishcoff, Wyoming Area Catholic School principal; Karen Oncay, Robert Chepalonis, A.J. Detrick, Mike Minnich, and Brian Marcinkowski.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_WAC-Golf-Tournament.jpgThe Second Annual Wyoming Area Catholic Golf Tournament will be held on Saturday, May 28 at the Blue Ridge Golf Course in Mountain Top. In photo, from left, Christine Romani, Tony Orlando, Eileen Rishcoff, Wyoming Area Catholic School principal; Karen Oncay, Robert Chepalonis, A.J. Detrick, Mike Minnich, and Brian Marcinkowski. Submitted photo

YATESVILLE — Three Pittston Area athletes announced they will be continuing their athletic and academic careers close to home at a ceremony held Thursday at the Cefalo Center.

Brandon Goodlavage announced he will attend King’s College to play football, while Laura Singleton and Alyssa Neare will continue their respective careers on Wilkes University’s women’s lacrosse team.

For Goodlavage, he’s excited to play with some familiar faces.

“It was an easy decision because of the coaching staff and the players,” Goodlavage said about going to King’s. “I know a lot of guys on the team and played with a few of them. I’m excited for another four years.”

Goodlavage was named honorable mention Wyoming Valley Conference All-Star by the WVC Football Coaches Association last season as an offensive lineman. Battling injury, Goodlavage also played defense, where he finished with 19 tackles and five tackles for loss.

Goodlavage will be pursuing a degree in exercise science and hopes to become a physical therapist.

“I have all the utilities to succeed being close to home,” he said.

Neare is will be studying biology and premed at Wilkes. She chose Wilkes so she can continue to play lacrosse.

“It feels real now, that I’m actually going to play college lacrosse,” she said. “I can’t believe it.”

Singleton said getting this day out of the way is rewarding. She is currently undeclared as far as academics go; however, she hopes to study nursing at Wilkes.

“I wanted to go there because it was close to home and to have the opportunity to play lacrosse,” she said. “It means a lot to me.”

Pittston Area senior Brandon Goodlavage will continue his football career at King’s College. From left, first row, grandmother Celina Toole, Goodlavage, grandfather John Toole. Second row, Pittston Area Principal John Haas, Pittston Area Athletic Director Charlie Turco and Pittston Area Assistant Principal Chris Lazevnick.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_Goodlavage.jpgPittston Area senior Brandon Goodlavage will continue his football career at King’s College. From left, first row, grandmother Celina Toole, Goodlavage, grandfather John Toole. Second row, Pittston Area Principal John Haas, Pittston Area Athletic Director Charlie Turco and Pittston Area Assistant Principal Chris Lazevnick. Nick Wagner | Sunday Dispatch

Pittston Area senior Alyssa Neare will continue her lacrosse career at Wilkes University. From left, first row, aunt Cheryl Chilson, Neare and grandmother Carol Neare. Second row, Pittston Area girls lacrosse coach Nicole Tieso, Pittston Area Principal John Haas, Pittston Area Athletic Director Charlie Turco and Pittston Area Assistant Principal Chris Lazevnick.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_Neare.jpgPittston Area senior Alyssa Neare will continue her lacrosse career at Wilkes University. From left, first row, aunt Cheryl Chilson, Neare and grandmother Carol Neare. Second row, Pittston Area girls lacrosse coach Nicole Tieso, Pittston Area Principal John Haas, Pittston Area Athletic Director Charlie Turco and Pittston Area Assistant Principal Chris Lazevnick. Nick Wagner | Sunday Dispatch

Pittston Area senior Laura Singleton will continue her lacrosse career at Wilkes University. From left, first row, Pittston Area girls lacrosse coach Nicole Tieso, Singleton and mother Christina Singleton. Second row, Pittston Area Principal John Haas, Pittston Area Athletic Director Charlie Turco and Pittston Area Assistant Principal Chris Lazevnick.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_Singleton.jpgPittston Area senior Laura Singleton will continue her lacrosse career at Wilkes University. From left, first row, Pittston Area girls lacrosse coach Nicole Tieso, Singleton and mother Christina Singleton. Second row, Pittston Area Principal John Haas, Pittston Area Athletic Director Charlie Turco and Pittston Area Assistant Principal Chris Lazevnick. Nick Wagner | Sunday Dispatch

HUGHESTOWN — The Pittston Area softball seniors were honored prior to a 13-0 win over Coughlin on Thursday, May 12 at the Pittston Area Primary Center.

Patriot senior pitcher Taylor Baloga threw a perfect game that day. Fellow senior Miranda Romanofski was 3-for-3 with four RBI. The Pittston Area seniors are Romanofski, Baloga, Mindina Lieback, Julie Silinskie and Abbey Bradigan.

Pittston Area senior Julie Silinski with parents Chris and Joe Silinskie.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_PASilinskie-1.jpgPittston Area senior Julie Silinski with parents Chris and Joe Silinskie. Nick Wagner | Sunday Dispatch

Pittston Area senior Mindina Lieback with parents Donna Sarti and Mike Lieback.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_PALieback-1.jpgPittston Area senior Mindina Lieback with parents Donna Sarti and Mike Lieback. Nick Wagner | Sunday Dispatch

Pittston Area senior Taylor Baloga with parents John and Susan Baloga.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_PABaloga-1.jpgPittston Area senior Taylor Baloga with parents John and Susan Baloga. Nick Wagner | Sunday Dispatch

Pittston Area’s Miranda Romanofski with father Thomas Romanofski and grandmother Barbara Malinowski.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_PARomanofski-1.jpgPittston Area’s Miranda Romanofski with father Thomas Romanofski and grandmother Barbara Malinowski. Nick Wagner | Sunday Dispatch

Pittston Area senior Abbey Bradigan with parents Linda and Mark Bradigan.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_PABradigan-1.jpgPittston Area senior Abbey Bradigan with parents Linda and Mark Bradigan. Nick Wagner | Sunday Dispatch

Pittston Area softball seniors, from left, Miranda Romanofski, Abbey Bradigan, Julie Silinskie, Mindina Lieback and Taylor Baloga.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_PAseniors-1.jpgPittston Area softball seniors, from left, Miranda Romanofski, Abbey Bradigan, Julie Silinskie, Mindina Lieback and Taylor Baloga. Nick Wagner | Sunday Dispatch

Pittston Area softball seniors with parents, from left, first row, Miranda Romanofski, Abbey Bradigan, Julie Silinskie, Mindina Lieback and Taylor Baloga. Second row, Barbara Malinowski, Thomas Romanofski, Mark and Linda Bradigan, Joe and Chris Silinskie, Mike Lieback, Donna Satri, John and Susan Baloga.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_PAGroup-1.jpgPittston Area softball seniors with parents, from left, first row, Miranda Romanofski, Abbey Bradigan, Julie Silinskie, Mindina Lieback and Taylor Baloga. Second row, Barbara Malinowski, Thomas Romanofski, Mark and Linda Bradigan, Joe and Chris Silinskie, Mike Lieback, Donna Satri, John and Susan Baloga. Nick Wagner | Sunday Dispatch

The Wyoming Area softball team recently honored its seniors prior to a game at the field in West Pittston. From left, Bree Bednarski with parents Joe and Lyn Bednarski, Sarah Coolbaugh with parents Emmit and Margaret Coolbaugh, Grace Gober with father Joe Gober, Heather Nametko with parents Mary and Al Nametko, and Vicki Remley with parents Nancy and Dave Remley.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_2016-05-13-12.31.142016513123412799.jpgSubmitted photo

TUNKHANNOCK — Wyoming Area still had a shot to defend its Wyoming Valley Conference softball title heading into Wednesday’s game with Tunkhannock. The Tigers, however, keep finding ways to win this season.

Tunkhannock rallied with four runs in the bottom of the sixth to defeat the Warriors, 5-3, and eliminate the defending divisional champion from title contention. The loss knocked Wyoming Area down to 7-5, but with two other wins during the week, the Warriors can still fight for district seeding.

On Monday, Wyoming Area whipped Lake-Lehman, 11-0. A 3-1 win over Crestwood on Thursday moved the Warriors to 8-5, just a half game behind Pittston Area for the fifth seed in Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association District 2 Class AAA.

The Warriors found themselves up 2-1 heading into the bottom of the sixth when the Tigers poured in four runs on Wednesday. Although the Warriors answered with one in the seventh, it wasn’t enough.

Bree Bednarski had a double and an RBI, while Julia Kopetchney had two hits and scored two runs. Gwen Glatz, who took the loss for Wyoming Area, chipped in with an RBI.

Against the Black Knights, Glatz, Grace Gober and Kristi Skok all knocked in two runs for the Warriors. Glatz had an RBI double in the third, her second run-scoring double of the game. Skok drove home a pair of runs with a single. Gober had an RBI single, while Bednarski and Vicki Remley plated runs on groundouts.

Glatz limited Crestwood to just three hits in a 3-1 win over the Comets on Thursday. The Warriors scored all three of their runs in the first inning.

Heather Nametko and Kristi Skok both delivered RBI singles with the bases loaded for Wyoming Area’s first two runs and Jess Parente brought home the third with a sacrifice bunt. Bree Bednarski finished with a double and a triple in the victory.

Baloga, Patriots perfect

Pittston Area came into the week with a 5-4 record in the middle of the pack in the league standings. With a perfect week, including a perfect game, the Patriots find themselves closer to the top with now an 8-4 mark.

The Patriots won all three games this week by a combined score of 29-6. The highlight of the week, however, came during Thursday’s Senior Day.

Taylor Baloga threw a five-inning perfect game as the Patriots upended Coughlin, 13-0, for their third win of the week. Facing just 15 batters, Baloga struck out nine of them. At the dish, Pittston Area senior Miranda Romanofski was 3-for-3 with four RBI.

Pittston Area was aided by a 10-run third inning. Abbey Bradigan, Lexi Felinski and Baloga each provided three hits, while Mindina Lieback and Julie Silinskie each had two RBI.

The win guarantees Pittston Area its first winning softball season since 2005.

On Tuesday, the Patriots took care of Dallas, 12-3. Baloga got the win, while Silinskie, Lieback, Romanofski and Nina Cencetti each had doubles. Baloga hit a grand slam and finished with six RBI.

On Monday, Pittston Area beat Berwick, 4-3, in nine innings. The Patriots found themselves down three runs after the first inning but clawed back to get the win. Baloga, Felinski and Lieback each had two hits.

What’s next

Wyoming Area’s originally scheduled game against Wyoming Seminary on Friday, May 13 has been cancelled and will not be made up. The Warriors final regular season game will be at 4:15 p.m. Wednesday, May 18 against defending PIAA District 2 Class AAA champion Nanticoke (9-2).

The Patriots still have three regular season games to play: Monday hosting Wyoming Valley West, Wednesday at Crestwood, and Thursday hosting Hazleton Area.

Wyoming Areas Vicky Remley sets to make a catch on a pop fly on Monday against Lake-Lehman.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_wya_sb5_faa-1.jpgWyoming Areas Vicky Remley sets to make a catch on a pop fly on Monday against Lake-Lehman. Fred Adams | For Sunday Dispatch

Wyoming Area’s Sarah Coolbaugh frames a called strike against Lake-Lehman on Monday.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_wya_sb4_faa-1.jpgWyoming Area’s Sarah Coolbaugh frames a called strike against Lake-Lehman on Monday. Fred Adams | For Sunday Dispatch

Wyoming Area’s Grace Gober rips a single during the third inning against Lake-Lehman on Monday.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_wya_sb3_faa-1.jpgWyoming Area’s Grace Gober rips a single during the third inning against Lake-Lehman on Monday. Fred Adams | For Sunday Dispatch

KINGSTON — Pittston Area junior Jason Homschek was the only Greater Pittston athlete to earn a win at the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association District 2 Championships held at Wilkes University and Kirby Park on Thursday.

Also competing were Pittston Area senior Johnathon Durling, along with Wyoming Area’s Justin Alder and Aaron Lewis. Durling was knocked out in the Class AAA second round after receiving a bye in the draw, while Alder and Lewis were eliminated in the Class AA first round.

It was Homschek who came out firing Thursday.

Playing mostly No. 1 or No. 2 this season, along with Durling, the Patriot junior was matched up against Jacob Kuna of Coughlin in the first round. Homschek quickly squeezed past Kuna, 6-4, 6-2.

“Jason did phenomenal job in the first round,” Pittston Area coach Amanda Carmody said. “We needed a warmup round and it ended up working for him. We were super proud we got to round two.”

Homschek was then tasked with getting past Wallenpaupack’s David Deutsch, who was the six-seed in Class AAA.

Deutsch struggled early against the Pittston Area junior. However, Homschek had a difficult time getting his serve in play. Homschek had a chance to win the first set, eventually falling to the Wallenpaupack player, 7-6, on a tiebreak. The set went to two deuce points, and Deutsch came out on top.

“Jason just came out and he was down, but then he caught fire,” Carmody said. “He was really neck and neck and really close. As we watched you could see that he was moving well.”

The steam was taken out of Homschek. Deutsch eliminated Homschek with a final set win of 6-0 to advance to the quarterfinals.

“He definitely gave that kid a run for his money,” Carmody said.

Carmody said Durling played a good match, and coaches from other teams were impressed with his style. She didn’t know much about either of her players’ opponents Thursday, but she said Durling did a nice job against the Williamsport’s Lucas Radulski, who was seeded fifth.

Durling fell to Radulski, 6-2, 6-1.

“Johnathon hung in there against the Williamsport kid,” Carmody said. “He didn’t play bad, but he could have played better. He did really well and it was nice to watch.”

Both Pittston Area and Wyoming Area will compete in the doubles portion of the district championships Wednesday, May 18 at Kirby Park. The first three rounds are held Wednesday, while the semifinals and finals are held at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 19.

Durling and Homschek will be playing in the doubles portion of the district championships next week.

Pittston Area’s Johnathon Durling keeps his eye on the ball against Williamsport’s Lucas Radulski Thursday at the PIAA District 2 Class AAA tennis championships at Wilkes University.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_Durling_PA1.jpgPittston Area’s Johnathon Durling keeps his eye on the ball against Williamsport’s Lucas Radulski Thursday at the PIAA District 2 Class AAA tennis championships at Wilkes University. Nick Wagner | Sunday Dispatch

Pittston Area’s Jason Homschek won his first round match on Thursday at the PIAA District 2 Class AAA tennis championships at Wilkes University.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_Homschek_PA1.jpgPittston Area’s Jason Homschek won his first round match on Thursday at the PIAA District 2 Class AAA tennis championships at Wilkes University. Nick Wagner | Sunday Dispatch

Pittston Area’s Johnathon Durling eyes up a shot against Williamsport’s Lucas Radulski Thursday at the PIAA District 2 Class AAA tennis championships at Wilkes University.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_Durling_PA2.jpgPittston Area’s Johnathon Durling eyes up a shot against Williamsport’s Lucas Radulski Thursday at the PIAA District 2 Class AAA tennis championships at Wilkes University. Nick Wagner | Sunday Dispatch

Pittston Area’s Jason Homschek won his first round match on Thursday at the PIAA District 2 Class AAA tennis championships at Wilkes University.

http://psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_Homschek_PA2.jpgPittston Area’s Jason Homschek won his first round match on Thursday at the PIAA District 2 Class AAA tennis championships at Wilkes University. Nick Wagner | Sunday Dispatch