Seneca Valley boys volleyball, led by ‘big-time player’ Jordan Hoover, survives furious Butler effort
Seneca Valley celebrates after defeating Butler 3-2 in a boys volleyball game Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Morgan Chapman, left, celebrates with Jordan Hoover, right, after Seneca Valley defeated Butler 3-2 in a boys volleyball game Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler’s Mason Anderson taps the ball over Seneca Valley’s blockers in a boys volleyball game Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler’s Mason McCall sets the ball up for a spike in a boys volleyball game Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler’s Alfons Semmler spikes the ball against Seneca Valley in a boys volleyball game Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca Valley’s Jordan Hoover (26) spikes the ball in a boys volleyball game Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca Valley celebrates after defeating Butler 3-2 in a boys volleyball game Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Morgan Chapman, left, celebrates with Jordan Hoover, right, after Seneca Valley defeated Butler 3-2 in a boys volleyball game Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler’s Mason Anderson taps the ball over Seneca Valley’s blockers in a boys volleyball game Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler’s Mason McCall sets the ball up for a spike in a boys volleyball game Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler’s Alfons Semmler spikes the ball against Seneca Valley in a boys volleyball game Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca Valley’s Jordan Hoover (26) spikes the ball in a boys volleyball game Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca Valley defeated Bulter 3-2 in a boys volleyball game on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
BUTLER TWP — Jordan Hoover brings a special set of skills to the volleyball court, and Seneca Valley needed every ounce of his ability Wednesday night.
His 24 kills and five blocks helped the Raiders outlast Butler 3-2 in a pivotal WPIAL Section 2-3A showdown in the Golden Tornado’s gym.
The victory came by scores of 25-21, 20-25, 25-23, 25-27 and 16-14.
A senior middle hitter, Hoover tallied eight kills and two blocks in the third set alone.
“Last year he had 135 blocks, which is unheard of,” SV coach Brett Poirier. “Now his offense is as good as his defense, and he’s a big-time player. When the chips are down and he’s in the front row, the ball is going to him. Everybody knows it, and he often gets double- and triple-teamed.”
Seneca Valley celebrates after defeating Butler 3-2 in a boys volleyball game Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Three of Hoover’s kills came in the fifth set, which Butler led 14-13 after a kill from Mason Anderson. But a service error was followed by an ace from SV’s Abheek Nelikil and a match-ending kill courtesy of Matthew Dudash.
“We beat Butler 3-0 at our place a couple of weeks ago,” Poirier said. “I told our guys coming in here tonight to expect everything from Butler to be better, and it was. Butler always seems to play well at home. I saw them beat Pine-Richland here this season, and Pine-Richland beat us.”
Hoover said it’s easy to get up for a match against Butler.
“We have the mindset that we need to win this game,” he said. “It’s Butler, and it’s always a big game when we play them. Communication was big tonight, and we didn’t get done when a play went against us.
“I’m not able to do anything if I’m not getting set. My teammates are a big reason any time I play well.”
The Tornado’s effort was painfully close to being good enough to take down the rival Raiders on this night.
Butler’s Mason Anderson (12) taps the ball over Seneca Valley’s blockers in a boys volleyball game Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler was on the verge of losing the match 3-1 when it trailed 24-21 in the fourth set. But a pair of kills from Andrew Slaugenhoup and a block from Alfons Semmler helped Butler force a fifth set.
“Our guys were very tenacious tonight, and I’m proud of them,” Butler coach Lew Liparulo said. “They didn’t quit and had confidence that we could win.”
Brandon Suski added 10 kills for the Raiders (8-2, 4-1). Semmler had 13 kills and four blocks for Butler, Mason McCall 26 assists and Maddox McCall 21 digs.
Both teams will be in action Tuesday. Seneca Valley hosts Fox Chapel, and Butler travels to Pine-Richland. The Golden Tornado (6-4, 2-3) are in desperate need of a section win. Only the top three of five teams will qualify for the WPIAL playoffs.
“That (earlier) win gives us confidence, but we also know it’s going to take a lot of work to beat Pine-Richland a second time,” Liparulo said.
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