Clean sweep


 


 

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Butler's Xavier Krause spikes the ball past North Hills' Andrew Vojtko (23) and Anthony Sciulli (2) Tuesday in the third game of the Tornado's sweep. 
Dave Prelosky/Butler Eagle

 

 

 

BUTLER TWP — Every high school coach would like to see his team start fast out of the gate. 
Given the fact that his squad has just three returning letterwinners, Butler boys volleyball mentor Lew Liparulo is encouraged with his team's effort so far. 
The Golden Tornado placed third out of 16 teams last weekend at the Norwin Tournament. 
“We ended up losing to Latrobe in the semifinals,” said Liparulo. “The competition was pretty good. Bethel Park was there, Deer Lakes, Norwin, Latrobe, they're all solid programs.” 
Tuesday night, Butler won its first Section 2-AAA match with ease, disposing of North Hills by scores of 25-11, 25-12 and 25-12. 
Senior outside hitter Xavier Krause led the way with 12 kills, including six in the opening set. 
Krause and fellow seniors Jacob Black and Travis Myers are Butler's returning letterwinners. 
“He's my captain and a leader on the court,” said Liparulo of Krause, a three-year starter. “He's got a lot of pressure on his shoulders this season, but I'd say most of that comes from himself.” 
Some of that may be due to the fact that, as a junior, Krause helped Butler to an 11-7 overall record and fourth place in the WPIAL. 
Now in his last season, Krause wants to get to that next level. 
“Our goal is always to make the (WPIAL) playoffs,” he said. “But ultimately, we want to get to states. We were just one game from getting there last year.” 
“That possibility exists,” said Liparulo of a trip to the PIAA playoffs. “These kids are hard workers. Of course, a lot of it comes down to your opponent's weaknesses and strengths.” 
Butler's latest opponent was simply too inexperienced to threaten the Tornado. 
Of North Hills' 15 varsity players, 12 are in their first year of playing volleyball. 
“We have one starter returning,” said veteran Indians coach Rege Paschel. “Most of the team has never played the game before. They need to spend this season learning the game, the fundamentals and the rules.” 
Despite the victory, Liparulo was expecting his team to be a bit more sharp. 
“I keep track of how points are scored,” he said. “We had too many unforced errors and some of that was due to communication problems. 
“The last thing we want to do is hand points to the other team.” 
Senior Steve Stauffer added eight kills for Butler