BUTLER TWP — There was something different about the Thunder soccer team out of Butler, which won the PA West State Open Girls U-12 Division 5/6 Soccer Tournament recently.

They’re not all about soccer.

“They’re just a group of 14 girls who have learned to love the game and formed a great team,” coach Debbie Ferguson said. “They are not ‘classic’ trained soccer players. They’ve just been playing together for a few years now and have learned to function as a unit.”

Ferguson, her husband John, and Al Kelly coach the team and have been working with the girls for four years. The team participated in the PA West State Open Tournament each of the past three years.

The first year, the team managed one win. Last year, it lost its semifinal game, 1-0.

“These girls have talents in the field of music, dance, drama, other sports, are high achievers in academics ... They just like playing soccer, too,” Ferguson said.

“We’ve got cheerleaders on this team, a flute player, violin, chorus, gymnastics, basketball, you name it.”

In this year’s tournament, the Thunder outscored the opposition 8-2. The team defeated Seneca Valley by scores of 4-0 and 3-2, then played Meadville to a scoreless tie.

The Thunder had a rematch with Meadville in the state championship game and posted a 1-0 win by scoring in the second overtime period. Elizabeth Simms scored the goal, assisted by Hallie Kildoo.

Simms scored three goals and Tegan Mueller one against Seneca Valley in the first game while Caitlyn Marburger scored all three tallies against SV in the second contest.

Goalies Megan Schnur (two) and Shannon Ferguson combined for three shutouts in the tournament.

Other Thunder players include Karlene Conoran, Darian Jack, Carolyn Kelly, Madison Long, Mauren Milton, Mia Rader, Sadie Schaeffer and Caroline Simms.

“We play during the fall and spring and play indoors during the winter,” Coach Ferguson said. “These girls have been dedicated to getting better.

“Their success has come through working as a team. That’s what’s so rewarding.”