BUTLER TWP — Anna Voelker, Brittnie Spithaler and Alyssa Lapusnak played key roles in helping Butler girls soccer recapture success on the pitch.

They should have little trouble resuming their winning ways where they're going.

Goalkeeper Voelker and forward Spithaler signed letters of intent last week to continue their academic and soccer careers at Edinboro University. Lapusnak, a center-midfielder, did likewise with Westminster College.

“All three made great decisions and they're going to strong programs,” Butler girls soccer coach Steve Perri said.

“They are going to established programs and all three will add something there.”

The trio helped the Golden Tornado reach the WPIAL playoffs in both of the past two years.

Edinboro has not had a losing season since 2008. The Fighting Scots compiled seven successive winning campaigns before finishing 7-7-3 last season.

Westminster has enjoyed five successive winning seasons, including 10-9 last fall.

Voelker plans to major in biology and go into physical therapy. She comes from a family of goalkeepers as her brothers and younger sister Rachel have played between the posts for their respective teams as well.

“I've been a goalie since I was 8,” Voelker said. “You don't have to run, which is nice, and I love the pressure of making a big save, being the last line of defense for my team.”

Voelker had seven shutouts for Butler last year and compiled 15 over the past two seasons. She also considered Youngstown State before deciding on Edinboro.

Fighting Scots coach Gary Kagiavas has been in charge of the program for 22 years and has more than 200 career wins. Sarah Baskey, Edinboro's goaljeeper last season, has graduated.

There are two other netminders on the roster.

“I know I have an opportunity to go up there and take the starting job,” Voelker said. “That's my goal, for sure.”

Spithaler tallied 17 goals for the Tornado last season and 54 overall as a four-year starter. She plans to go into nursing and also considered Slippery Rock and Gannon before deciding on Edinboro.

Spithaler and Voelker plan to be roommates in college.

“I was the first one to commit up there, but I'm thrilled she's coming,” Spithaler said. “We've been playing soccer together since we were 6 years old.

“It's going to be exciting, going through this experience together.”

Spithaler added that “I'd like to play a lot for the team and help them get to the championship.”

Westminster is coached by Girish Thakar. He guides the Titan men's and women's teams and has a combined 381 wins and nine conference championships with them.

Thakar has been Westminster's women's coach for 16 years.

Lapusnak considered Penn State Behrend before opting for Westminster. She looked at Penn State's main campus as well, but would not have played soccer had she gone there.

She plans to study nursing.

“I wanted to keep playing,” Lapusnak said of soccer. “I'm glad I've got the opportunity.”

Lapusnak scored two goals in each of the past three seasons at Butler. Sjhe will be joining Golden Tornado graduate Rachel Woessner, a freshman defender for the Titans.

“It will be nice to see a familiar face and play soccer with her again,” she said. “I want to be successful for the team there, but my main goal is my education.”

Butler's girls soccer program has now sent five players on to the college game in the past two years. Former Tornado forward Hannah Hayes is at Gannon.

“It's going to be fun following these girls. They could all make an impact,” Perri said.