Butler senior Christian Sequete takes control of Pine Richland's Miguel Jackson in their 220-pound match Wednesday night. Sequete won by pin and the Golden Tornado went on to post a 48-33 victory.

BUTLER TWP — Earning a berth in the WPIAL team playoffs may be a stiffer challenge than in most years for Butler's wrestling team, but Wednesday night's result certainly won't hurt.

The Golden Tornado tallied six pins and withstood a pair of forfeit losses in toppling Pine-Richland, 48-33, in the Section 3-A opener for both teams.

Two of Butler's pins came from freshmen — Nate McMaster at 126 pounds and Steven Green at 132.

“McMaster's pin came with two seconds left in the bout,” said Butler coach Scott Stoner. “He didn't turn him (Pine-Richland's Aaron Bailey) until the very end, but he kept grinding. That's the kind of wrestler I want for this program.”

Green, who went 7-1 with five pins last weekend at the Chartiers-Houston Tournament, got off to a fast start against the Rams' John Berger with a takedown and three near-fall points in the first period.

“I like to be aggressive all the time,” Green said. “Coach Powell (Fred, assistant) preaches never let off of the pressure and I try to follow it.

A full story appears in the Butler Eagle.