BEAVER FALLS — Butler’s bowlers picked up plenty of accolades during the WPIBL Boys Team Championships Wednesday at Sims Lanes.

They just didn’t pick up the championship.

“It was a great finals match ... just disappointing,” Golden Tornado coach Bob Cupp said.

Butler finished first in the three-game team qualifying round with a score of 3,163. Hempfield took second with a 2,983 and Greensburg Salem third with a 2,879. The top three teams qualified for the step-ladder finals. There were 24 teams competing.

Because the Tornado placed first in qualifying, they awaited the winner of the Hempfield-Greensburg Salem match. The Spartans swept Greensburg Salem, 255-181 and 184-76, in the baker format, which rotates bowlers by frame.

Hempfield defeated Butler 216-213 in the first of the best-of-three championship match. Butler got even with a 196-191 victory before Hempfield grabbed the title with a 208-204 triumph.

“All three games were exciting, right to the wire,” Cupp said. “We just came up a little short.”

The Tornado’s Alex Ekas and Eric DeVore made the all-tournament team. Ekas had the top series in qualifying at 719. His games were 237, 225 and 257. DeVore had a 670 series with games of 212, 258 and 200. Luke Keene rolled a 617 series for the Tornado, including games of 219 and 226.

Freeport’s boys finished 23rd during qualifying.

The WPIBL Girls Team Championships are Thursday at Sims Lanes.

“Our boys already have a bye into the regional because they won the section,” Cupp said. “Our girls have to bowl their way into the regional Thursday. I feel like they can get there.”