BUTLER TWP - The 2004 season has been a disappointing one for Butler's softball team.

But the Golden Tornado picked the best way to end their Section 5-AAA schedule: kicking rival Seneca Valley out of the playoff race.

Heather Spangler's groundout plated Dana Gillis in the bottom of the sixth inning to give Butler (3-7, 7-10) a 3-2 victory over the Raiders Monday afternoon.

Seneca Valley needed a win and a Hampton victory over Shaler to make the WPIAL Class AAA playoffs.

As it turned out, Shaler defeated Hampton 1-0. Still, it was Butler's win that ended Seneca's playoff hopes.

"The girls knew they had a chance to knock Seneca out," said Butler coach Tanya Schnur. "And that was their motivation today."

"I hope the girls didn't take Butler lightly," said Seneca coach George Trew. "I don't know if they did or not, but we simply didn't play well today."

Gillis led off the sixth inning with an infield single. She moved to third base on Kara Deal's infield hit before scoring on Spangler's ground ball.

"Our goal is always to get Dana on base," said Schnur. "Then we can get the middle of our lineup going. We're just looking for one hit at a time."

Megan Marra struck out five and walked just one in a complete-game win. She allowed two runs on seven hits.

Seneca's Lauren Milkey gave up three runs on six hits, striking out one and walking one.

"She pitched well for us today, as she has all year," said Trew.

The Raiders gained the early advantage in the top of the first, when with two outs, Aly Intihar singled and scored when Tina Mangola doubled to left center.

"In the past, the team that scores first in this game has a big advantage," said Trew. "And we got that first run today, but ended up giving it right back."

The Golden Tornado's only base runner in the first three innings was Nikki Cranmer, who singled in the second frame.

Then came the bottom of the fourth.

With one out, Deal's double was followed by consecutive singles from Spangler and Amy Ferrari.

Deal came home on the first single and Spangler scored when Milkey's throw to get Ferrari at first went into foul territory.

The Raiders tied the game in the next half inning when Liz Dorogy scored on Intihar's infield single.

The loss ends Seneca's season. The Raiders were 2-4 in the section with four games left. They reeled off three straight wins over Hampton, Shaler and North Hills to put themselves into position to make postseason play.

"The girls made a great effort down the stretch," said Trew. "We started hitting the ball really well and we beat some quality teams. Heck, we beat Shaler twice and they're going to the playoffs."

Seneca Valley 100 010 0 - 2 7 2

Butler 000 201 x - 3 6 1

WP:

Megan Marra (7 IP) 5 strikeouts, 1 walk.

LP:

Lauren Milkey (6 IP) 1 strikeout, 1 walk

Seneca Valley (5-5, 10-9):

Julie Marlowe 2B, Aly Intihar 2-1B RBI R, Tina Mangola 2B RBI, Lauren Milkey 1B, Hayley Crosby 1B, Liz Dorogy 1B R.

Butler (3-7, 7-10):

Dana Gillis 1B R, Kara Deal 1B 2B R, Heather Spangler 1B RBI R, Amy Ferrari 1B, Nikki Cranmer 1B.

Thursday:

Kiski Area @ Butler