BUTLER TWP — Ben Fiorina and his Butler volleyball teammates realized what was at stake Thursday night against Pine-Richland.

A loss and the season was ostensibly over.

The Golden Tornado weren’t going to let that happen.

“It was a big game for us and we knew coming into it they were a tough opponent and they beat us already this season,” said Fiorina, a senior middle hitter and defensive specialist. “We had to keep our heads and, this being our senior night, it helped give us an edge.”

Butler took control early in all three sets and cruised to a 25-14, 25-14, 25-17 sweep of the Rams.

“We felt the pressure,” Fiorina said. “We spent time yesterday watching the video and preparing for them. We had a rough idea about what they wanted to do with the ball and we adjusted our game to that.”

The pressure didn’t seem to faze the Golden Tornado, who played one of their best all-around matches this season.

Nash Bryan had his usual dominating night with 13 kills, but the points were spread around among several different players at the net.

The Golden Tornado got kills from six different players, including six from setter Tyler Rankin, who also had 32 assists.

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