Butler girls best P-R on mats
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.
“I started freaking out and thought I was going to lose,” said Manchester. “But I’ve scored an escape in every match this season.”
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.
“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.”
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.
“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.”
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.
“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.”
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.
“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
