BUTLER TWP — Last year, Grove City High School reached the semifinals of the Armstrong Academic Challenge, only to fall to the eventual winner, North Allegheny.

But this year was a different story.

Eight-time champion North Allegheny lost in the first round to another past champion, Mt. Pleasant High School, and Grove City reeled off wins over Lincoln, Mt. Pleasant, Mercer and Butler to capture the school's first Academic Challenge championship.

The 14th annual event took place at Butler County Community College. Sixteen schools participated April 10.

Grove City opened with a 16-10 victory over Lincoln High School; crushed Mt. Pleasant, 36-7; edged rival Mercer, 15-13; and survived a close match with Butler, 22-18, to take the first place trophy. Along the way, Grove City correctly responded to the final bonus question in each match, a first in Academic Challenge history.

Runner-up Butler doubled Connellsville, 14-7, in the first round; narrowly ousted Meadville, 19-17; and knocked Knoch from contention, 24-19, before facing Grove City in the championship match.

Knoch and Mercer tied for third.

The Grove City team of Blaise Bucha, Matthew O'Polka, Samuel Potter, Michele Augspurger and Christopher Williams each earned $200 U.S. Savings Bonds plus an additional $1,200 in school scholarship money to be used at the discretion of the school.

Tammy Fritz was the team adviser, substituting for Vincent Anastasi, who was unable to attend.

Charlotte Kelly's Butler team of Patrick Fitz, Steven Feczko, Kathryn Claudy, Shannon Gallagher, Taylor Smith and Andrew Claudy collected $100 savings bonds each and a $600 school scholarship.

Knoch's team consisted of Cole Blaugher, James Reich, Parker Baney, Kaitlyn Grzywinski and Dustin Paulsen, and was coached by Kathleen Norante. Knoch earned a $350 school scholarship.

All players for Knoch received $75 Savings Bonds.