CRANBERRY TWP — Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic High School’s robotics team may have not come home with gold last weekend, but the team had a reason to smile.

The team, composed of 16 students, placed 10th out of 52 schools at the “FIRST Robotics” competition at California (Pa.) University this past weekend.

“We exceeded our expectations,” said Susan Profeta, the team’s faculty adviser and math and physics teacher.

The 100-plus pound robots had to complete various challenges in capturing their opponents’ castle towers including clearing a low bar and launching “boulders” at the towers. Schools partnered with other teams in the competition.

Cardinal Wuerl fell short of making it into the second round of competition with its 10th place ranking.

However, the Trojanators were selected by the eighth-seeded team playing in the second round to partner with them and captain the tandem.

The comeback fell short as the team lost, 102-99.

“We were thrilled. It was a nail-biter,” Profeta said.

The team is gearing for this weekend’s “FIRST Robotics” competition in Cleveland on Friday and Saturday. Adjustments and repairs are being made to the robot.

Profeta said a similar number of teams will compete this weekend.

This is the second year Cardinal Wuerl has participated in the competition. Last year, the team won a rookie innovation award.

“We’re hoping for it to grow,” Profeta said about the program at the school.

Two other Butler County schools competed in last weekend’s competition.

Evangel Heights Christian Academy and Knoch High School ranked 50th and 35th, respectively.

This was Evangel Heights’ first year competing while it was Knoch’s fifth.