After 25 years, the Butler varsity boys volleyball program has recorded a first.

The Golden Tornado qualified for the PIAA Class 3A Tournament for the first time with a 3-0 victory over Seneca Valley in a play-in game Thursday night at Baldwin High School.

Butler (17-4) won the match by scores of 25-15, 25-21, 25-23.

“It's been a long time coming for us,” said Butler coach Lew Liparulo, the only head coach in the program's history. “And I know this is the first time we've beaten Seneca Valley three times in a season.”

Tyler Rankin had 23 assists for Butler while Nash Bryan had 14 kills. Cody Schnur had eight kills and three blocks.

Andrew Chwalik chipped in four aces in the win.

“We really work hard all of the time on the basics. When we play teams, that makes a big difference,” Liparulo said.

“We serve/receive well, play defense well, attack well, and we keep an eye on our unforced errors. This team has reacted very well under pressure.

“These players have never quit on a match all season,” Liparulo added.

Softball

Cheyenne Hindman tossed a one-hitter and allowed no walks Thursday as Slippery Rick reached the District 10 championship game with an 11-1, five-inning win over rival Grove City in the semifinals at the Hermitage Athletic Complex.

Brynn Horner had two singles and four RBI to pace a 15-hit attack for the Rockets (16-4).

Slippery Rock put the game away with a four-run fifth inning. Taylor Balint, Macy McCall and Julianna Hutchinson all had RBI hits during that frame. Hindman, Horner, McCall, Balint and Hutchinson all had multiple hits in the game.

The Rockets will face Warren in the district title game Monday at a site and time to be determined.