BUTLER TWP — Anastasia Manchester can get into trouble, but usually finds her way out of it.

Butler’s freshman wrestler was taken down early by Pine-Richland’s Jarah Casciani during Wednesday’s 142-pound bout at Butler Intermediate High School.

Butler’s Melissa Arcuri goes for a takedown on Pine-Richland’s Megan Berger in a bout at 130 on Wednesday, Jan. 24 at Butler Intermediate High School. Kyle Prudhomme/Butler Eagle (01/24/24)

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“I started freaking out and thought I was going to lose,” said Manchester. “But I’ve scored an escape in every match this season.”

Butler’s Melissa Arcuri lets out a scream after a pin from teammate Kaitlynn Plopi on Wednesday, Jan. 24 at Butler Intermediate High School. Kyle Prudhomme/Butler Eagle (01/24/24)

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She kept that streak alive by turning the tables on Casciani and pinning her 68 seconds into the bout. The victory improved Manchester to 15-3 on the season.

Butler's Anastasia Manchester grapples with Pine-Richland's Jarah Casciani in a bout at 142 on Wednesday, Jan. 24 at Butler Intermediate High School. Kyle Prudhomme/Butler Eagle (01/24/24)

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“Technically, she’s a wildcard because she wrestles a high-risk, high-reward style,” said Butler girls coach Nathan Bottiger. “We’re working with her on making the right move at the right time and she’s doing a great job. She never stops wrestling and always seems to make something happen.”

Butler’s Melissa Arcuri gains control of Pine-Richland’s Megan Berger in a bout at 130 on Wednesday, Jan. 24 at Butler Intermediate High School. Kyle Prudhomme/Butler Eagle (01/24/24)

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Manchester’s pin was one of five falls earned by the Golden Tornado in a 36-24 win over the Rams. Another came from Kaitlynn Plopi at 136 pounds. She dispatched Giada Campanella 1:17 into the first period.

Butler’s Kaylee Christie grabs the arm of Pine-Richland’s Gianna Horner in a bout at 124 on Wednesday, Jan. 24 at Butler Intermediate High School. Kyle Prudhomme/Butler Eagle (01/24/24)

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Butler head coach Nathan Bottiger talks with Kaylee Christie during a stoppage against Pine-Richland on Wednesday, Jan. 24 at Butler Intermediate High School. Kyle Prudhomme/Butler Eagle (01/24/24)

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“That was a big win for Kaitlynn,” said Bottiger. “She beat (Campanella) at our tournament to start the season, then lost to her at Powerade. Campanella is a very good wrestler and is well-coached. Beating someone like that adds a lot of confidence for a wrestler.”

Butler’s Kaylee Christie takes hold of Pine-Richland’s Gianna Horner in a bout at 135 on Wednesday, Jan. 24 at Butler Intermediate High School. Kyle Prudhomme/Butler Eagle (01/24/24)

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Butler’s Kaylee Christie battles Pine-Richland’s Gianna Horner in a bout at 124 on Wednesday, Jan. 24 at Butler Intermediate High School. Kyle Prudhomme/Butler Eagle (01/24/24)

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Also scoring pins for the Tornado were Brin Zehmisch (112 pounds), Kaylee Christie (124) and Melissa Arcuri (130).

Butler improved to 2-1 in dual matches and will next compete at the North Allegheny Invitational on Feb. 3.

Boys Wrestling

Pine-Richland 48, Butler 24

It’s been a trying season for the Tornado (6-10, 1-4), who failed to qualify for the section tournament. But when coach Scott Stoner looks ahead to the 2024-25 season, he likes what he sees.

Butler’s Ira Stiefel seeks out the low-angle against Pine-Richland’s Robert Hoy in a bout at 127 on Wednesday, Jan. 24 at Butler Intermediate High School. Kyle Prudhomme/Butler Eagle (01/24/24)

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Butler’s Nick Savannah gains control over Pine-Richland’s Aiden Rohaly in a bout at 107 on Wednesday, Jan. 24 at Butler Intermediate High School. Kyle Prudhomme/Butler Eagle (01/24/24)

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“Every year, whether you’re reaping the benefits of an experienced team or not, it’s hard not to look down the road,” he said. “We have a number of guys who are injured this season who will be back next year, plus a strong core who have been working in and out of the weight room.”

Butler’s Santino Sloboda gains control over Pine-Richland’s Max Kosher in a bout at 114 on Wednesday, Jan. 24 at Butler Intermediate High School. Kyle Prudhomme/Butler Eagle (01/24/24)

Kyle Prudhomme

One of the reasons for optimism is current freshman Nick Savannah, who moved his record to 22-9 with a pin of Pine-Richland’s Aiden Rohaly in the second period at 107 pounds.

Butler’s Sullivan Stutz takes control over Pine-Richland’s Peyton Ferguson in a bout at 121 on Wednesday, Jan. 24 at Butler Intermediate High School. Kyle Prudhomme/Butler Eagle (01/24/24)

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Butler’s Sullivan Stutz grabs the arm of Pine-Richland’s Peyton Ferguson in a bout at 121 on Wednesday, Jan. 24 at Butler Intermediate High School. Kyle Prudhomme/Butler Eagle (01/24/24)

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Butler’s Dawson Davis reverses the control of Pine-Richland’s Grant Pillar in a bout at 172 on Wednesday, Jan. 24 at Butler Intermediate High School. Kyle Prudhomme/Butler Eagle (01/24/24)

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Butler’s Diamond Cantera fights in a deadlock with Pine-Richland’s Sam Harris in a bout at 285 on Wednesday, Jan. 24 at Butler Intermediate High School. Kyle Prudhomme/Butler Eagle (01/24/24)

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Butler’s Dawson Davis takes a peek at the clock in a bout against Pine-Richland’s Grant Pillar at 172 on Wednesday, Jan. 24 at Butler Intermediate High School. Kyle Prudhomme/Butler Eagle (01/24/24)

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“I’m not focused on my record, just getting better,” Savannah said. “If I do that, the points and wins will take care of themselves.”

Stoner sees a high ceiling for Savannah.

“Nick’s been hot and cold this year,” he said. “At the Southmoreland Tournament, he came out bangin’ and beat some really good kids. At other times, he’s been timid. We’re looking for him to become more assertive and aggressive.”

Savannah said he is aware of the areas where he needs to improve and looks forward to being part of a bright future for Butler.

“With all of the experience and talent we’ll have coming back next year, it’s going to be a different atmosphere,” he said.

Santino Sloboda (114 pounds) and Leo Iarrapino (133) also won by fall for Butler, which will face Bethel Park on Feb. 14.

Girls

Butler 36, Pine-Richland 24

Match started at 100 pounds

100-No bout; 106-Lilliana Burgardt (B) won by forfeit; 112-Brin Zehmisch (B) pinned Carmen Mascarenas, :26; 118-Ella Fineburg (PR) won by forfeit; 124-Kaylee Christie (B) pinned Gianna Horner, 3:26; 130-Melissa Arcuri (B) pinned Megan Berger, 5:01; 136-Kaitlynn Plopi (B) pinned Giada Campanella, 1:17; 142-Anastasia Manchester (B) pinned Jarah Casciani, 1:08; 148-Molly McGovern (PR) won by forfeit; 155-Tiffany Gathers (PR) pinned Riley Peffer, :47; 170-Brynn Bosack (PR) won by forfeit; 190-No bout

Boys

Pine-Richland 48, Butler 24

Match started at 152 pounds

107-Nick Savannah (B) pinned Aiden Rohaly, 3:21; 114-Santino Sloboda (B) pinned Max Kosher, 1:02; 121-Peyton Ferguson (PR) pinned Sullivan Stutz, 3:18; 127-Robert Hoy (PR) pinned Ira Stiefel, :18; 133-Leo Iarrapino (B) pinned Pine-Richland, :42; 139-Dom Ferraro (PR) pinned Kase Chopp, 5:51; 145-Gavin Rush (B) won by forfeit; 152-Rocco Campanella (PR) pinned Bryson Seth, 4:38; 160-Mac Miller (PR) pinned Devin Hoy, :29; 172-Grant Pillar (PR) dec. Dawson Davis, 4-2; 189-Vaughn Spencer (PR) pinned Braylon May, :08; 215-Cole Wilson (PR) pinned Lucas Martin, 1:04; 285-Sam Harris (PR) dec. Diamond Cantera, 5-4