HERSHEY — The Butler High School competitive cheerleading squad finished runner-up in the small varsity division at the PIAA Competitive Spirit Championships Saturday at the GIANT Center.

The Golden Tornado, who won this inaugural event last year, advanced from the preliminary round directly to the finals in the 46-team field. The top 25 percent advanced straight to the finals.

Butler wound up second to champion Johnstown.

Golden Tornado captains — the lone seniors on the team — are Jade Bowers, Alexis Franchak and Jordan Mazzanti. Juniors on the squad are Taylor Stobert, Haley Stariat, Emily Huber and Brooke Carr.

Sophomores include Annie Codispot, Alex Slomers, Alyssa Widenhofer, Lyrik Frisby, Halie Smith and Jillian Tilko. Freshmen are Alexi Krajnikovich, Emily Eichenlaub, Paige Williams and Taylor Fisher.

Coaches include Nicole Nea and Nichole Moore.

Karns City competed in the medium varsity division while A-C Valley competed in the small varsity division. Neither advanced from the preliminary round.

Butler has competed in numerous tournaments this seasons, including stops at Bethel Park, Pittsburgh, Indiana (Pa.) and North Hills. The Golden Tornado will also compete in the Universal Cheerleading Association (UCA) Nationals Feb. 8-9 in Orlando, Fla.