Tara Johnson knows all about setting the pace.

The Pittston Area senior teamed up with Arianna Boccardi to finish first and second, respectively, which led to three teams wins, on Wednesday at Kirby Park.

Johnson ran a time of 18:39, 46 seconds clear of Boccardi. The race dominance helped the Patriots to easy victories over MMI Prep and Crestwood. Both of those races finished 15-50. Against Hazleton Area, however, the Patriots needed help from their back end to earn a 24-35 win.

Mary Silinskie (21:21), Genny English (21:24), Jessica Tighe (21:33) and Delaney Dower (21:48) rounded out the top 10 for the Patriots.

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On the boys’ side on Wednesday, Pittston Area’s Hunter Kraklio ran a 17:22 to lead the Patriots to a 1-2 day at Kirby Park. The Patriots took down MMI Prep, 21-38. Pittston Area fell to Hazleton Area and Crestwood.

Wyoming Area’s girls team participated in a meet against Northwest on Wednesday in Dallas. The Warriors fell, 15-50. The boys team, however, picked up two wins.

The Warriors were winners over Nanticoke and Northwest. Wyoming Area fell to Berwick, 15-44.

The PIAA District 2 Cross Country Championships will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 28 at Elk Lake High School. Wyoming Area’s teams participate in 2A, while Pittston Area participates in 3A.

In the meantime, Wyoming Area will travel to Crestwood for a tri-meet with Hazleton Area and MMI Prep on Wednesday. Pittston Area goes to Lake-Lehman to face the Black Knights, Tunkhannock and Wyoming Valley West.

Hunter Kraklio of Pittston Area was top finisher for the Patriots in boys high school cross country meet at Kirby Park on Wednesday.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_paxcountry01.jpg.optimal.jpgHunter Kraklio of Pittston Area was top finisher for the Patriots in boys high school cross country meet at Kirby Park on Wednesday. Pete G. Wilcox | Sunday Dispatch

Tara Johnson of Pittston Area finishes in first place in girls high school cross country meet at Kirby Park on Wednesday.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_paxcountry02.jpg.optimal.jpgTara Johnson of Pittston Area finishes in first place in girls high school cross country meet at Kirby Park on Wednesday. Pete G. Wilcox | Sunday Dispatch

By Nick Wagner

nwagner@timesleader.com

Reach Nick Wagner at 570-602-0178 or on Twitter @Dispatch_Nick