Finishing strong
BUTLER TWP — Butler reached the .500 mark Saturday afternoon at Art Bernardi Stadium.
The Golden Tornado girls lacrosse team had planned to be a little farther by now.
Seniors Amanda Huey and Liz Manuel scored three goals each and Butler (7-7) made quick work of Allderdice, defeating the Dragons, 14-2.
Still, the sixth-year varsity program will be left a game short of reaching the playoffs.
"We got there last year for the first time, so it's really disappointing not to be going back," Butler coach Annie Succop said. "What killed us was we didn't finish off enough games this year.
"Putting together a complete game has really been a problem for us."
Hampton will claim the final playoff berth over Butler — and defeated Butler in overtime earlier this season.
"Ultimately, that's the game that cost us," Succop said.
The Tornado also fell behind North Hills 7-2 early in a game they eventually lost by a 15-14 count.
There was no such slow start Saturday as Butler pummeled a young Allderdice program for the second time in three days. The Dragons dropped a 17-6 decision at Bernardi Stadium Thursday night and brought only 14 players on Saturday.
"It's been a long day, but these games will be good for us in the long run," Allderdice coach Hanna Bratton said. "We're only a second-year club team, but we've got a 20-player roster and the girls are learning the game."
Huey scored the first goal only a minute and 21 seconds into the contest. When Casey Murdick scored with 7:11 left in the first half, the lead was 10-0 and the mercy clock started.
Butler freely substituted for much of the game as eight Tornado players scored goals. Huey has 32 goals on the campaign and Manuel has 26.
Murdick scored two goals and Allie Houk added a pair in the second half. Butler's lead at halftime was 11-1.
Brynn Maxwell, Chelsey Rock, Rachel Calhoun and Kathryn Hitchan scored single tallies for the Tornado. Goalkeepers Cara Moses and Rock combined for four saves.
Brooke Warner scored both glals for Allderdice (2-6), which was outshot 25-6. Goalkeeper Jamie Scott made 11 saves for the Dragons, many from point-blank range.
"We beat Hempfield and Baldwin in what were basically scrimmages, but we count them as wins because we're trying to build something," Bratton said. "We're going to apply in December to become a varsity sport."
Butler has two games remaining on its schedule — hosting McDowell Monday for Senior Night, then traveling to Knoch Thursday.
"We're going to give our seniors the opportunity to finish strong and close with a winning record," Succop said. "We were able to work on some things today that we'll hopefully benefit from down the road."
