Kaitlin Barnett ended a crazy week for the Butler softball team with a hard-earned feeling of satisfaction.

The Golden Tornado second baseman's line drive to center field Saturday afternoon at Butler High School gave the Golden Tornado a 5-4, 10-inning non-section win over Knoch.

Starting with a 5-4 loss to Seneca Valley April 11, Butler is 4-2 in its last six games with three games being decided in the seventh inning or later.

Barnett's at-bat during the international tiebreaker was her second opportunity this week.

In the Golden Tornado's 4-3, 10-inning loss to Shaler Wednesday, Barnett couldn't help Butler (4-4) tie the game.

Against the Knights, Barnett wanted to be in better position.

“I was looking for the perfect pitch,” said Barnett, who drove in two runs. “I was in the same situation against Shaler. I was relaxed, waited for the perfect pitch and drove it.”

Emily McDonald, who started on second base due to the tiebreaker rules, moved to third on a groundout by Noel Pfabe.

After Knoch pitcher Celia Knappenberger forced a flyout, Barnett had her chance.

She connected, lining a pitch to center to score McDonald.

Golden Tornado coach Shauna Troup believes Butler was inspired by freshman Hannah Folk driving in the winning run in its win over Brashear Monday. The Golden Tornado scored three runs in the bottom of the seventh to steal a 7-6 win from the Tigers.

“Once the older girls saw that, they started to believe it doesn't matter where we are in the game,” Troup said. “The hitters can come back and the bats can talk.”

Knoch pitcher Shelby Bruggeman kept the Golden Tornado's bats silent early.

Butler didn't get a hit until McDonald led off the fourth with a single.

“Keeping a positive attitude. Softball and baseball is definitely a mental game,” said McDonald of Butler's approach after struggling on offense early. “As long as you stay up, the bat keeps working.”

Knoch's bats were working off the bench in the fifth inning.

Jessi Reed laced a two-out single to left-center field. Hayle Fox followed with a double that scored Reed and put the Knights ahead 2-1.

Knoch coach Tim Knappenberger wanted to see contributions from his bench.

Fox, who played in center field and was 2-for-3 at the plate, threw out Butler's Ali Graham at the plate in the seventh inning to force extra innings.

“I just told the team even though the scoreboard said we didn't win today, this is only going to make us stronger,” Knappenberger said. “For everyone to get in like that, it gives them some valuable experience that may help us down the road.”

Trailing 3-1, Butler responded with a big sixth inning. McDonald started the rally with a one-out single. Pfabe followed with a single and Bruggeman intentionally walked Rachel Rebmann.

Barnett grounded out, scoring McDonald.

Anna Heade then laced a single to the outfield, putting the Golden Tornado ahead 4-3.

The offensive outburst rejuvenated Butler.

“Hits are key,” McDonald said. “We had good defense, but hits help win games.”

The Golden Tornado pounded out 11 hits.

Knoch forced extra innings when Avery Keller singled off Graham in the seventh, scoring Fox.

The Knights had an opportunity to go ahead in the top of the 10th.

Abbie Thrower stole third base on McDonald's first pitch. McDonald, who threw two innings and struck out three to earn the win, got the next batter to pop out.

She then struck out two batters to give the Golden Tornado a chance.

Barnett didn't let the opportunity slip by.

“We've worked on our inconsistencies and we've improved a lot,” Barnett said. “We can improve more. I think we're good and we can keep going.”

Knoch 100 011 100 0 — 4 13 1

Butler 000 103 000 1 — 5 11 0

W: Emily McDonald 2IP (3K, 0BB). L: Celia Knappenberger 3 2/3IP (0K, 0BB).

Knoch (6-5): Abbie Thrower 2-1B, Avery Keller 2-1B 2-RBI, Chandler Krelow 1B 2B, Shelby Bruggeman 1B, Maura Thinnes 2-1B, Jessi Reed 1B, Hayle Fox 1B 2B RBI, Abigail Black 1B RBI.

Butler (4-4): Emily McDonald 2-1B, Jen Miller 2-1B, Noel Pfabe 2-1B, Kaitlin Barnett 1B 2-RBI, Anna Heade 1B 2-RBI, Ali Graham 1B 2B, Hannah Folk 1B.

Monday: Moon at Butler, Mars at Knoch