The Mars boys tennis team has been on the outside looking in for the last three years.

The Planets are hoping to change that in 2006.

Since moving to Section 3-AA in 2003, the Planets have been a solid squad but have been kept out of the playoffs by heavyweights Quaker Valley and Sewickley Academy.

With the top two teams qualifying for the WPIAL postseason, Mars just missed advancing by finishing third the last two seasons.

"It's tough with Quaker Valley and Sewickley Academy in our section," said Kent Shoemaker, who co-coaches the team along with Bill Pettigrew. "But we'd like to challenge them this season."

At the head of the Planets' lineup is No. 1 singles player Chris Morgan, who advanced to the WPIAL quarterfinals last season.

"He's a very strong player," said Shoemaker of the senior. "Ever since he came to varsity, he's been in that No. 1 spot."

Manning the No. 1 doubles slot for Mars is the duo of Adam Dillner and Jon Natale, a senior and junior, respectively.

The Planets defeated Hopewell, 4-1, to open the season Monday.

Previews for the five area boys tennis teams follow:

MarsCoach: Bill Pettigrew and Kent Shoemaker

2005 record: The Planets finished .500 overall and placed third in their section.

Singles: 1-Chris Morgan (senior); 2-This spot is being battled for by senior Steve Smail and freshman Ian Welsh. Also in the mix is sophomore Billy Welsh.

Doubles: 1-senior Adam Dillner/junior Jon Natale; 2-senior Andrew Dillner/freshman Andy Knauff. A few other players should figure into the Planets' doubles mix, including seniors Devin Hileman, Tyler McIntyre, Dan Kladowski and sophomore Trevor Hileman.

Outlook: "If we perform the way we can, we could end up second in the section," said Shoemaker.

ButlerCoach: Dave Hartzell, first year

2005 record: The Golden Tornado finished well above .500

Singles: 1-Andrew Thompson (senior); 2-Steve Shetter (senior); 3-Wesley Hortert (junior).

Doubles: 1-senior Adam Kowalski and junior Andrew Direnzo; 2-seniors Doug Pichler and Dave Uram.

Outlook: "We have a pretty decent lineup and some seniors with experience," said Hartzell. "It's a difficult section, especially with North Allegheny, but I think we can be in the mix."

Grove CityCoach: Lorraine Gilson, 30th year

2005 record: The Eagles managed their 21st straight winning season, won the Tri-County Championship and District 10 Region I and finished second overall in the district.

Singles: 1-The No. 1 spot is up for grabs between junior Drew Bestwick and sophomore Matt Kiser; 3-The finals singles position will be either junior Chris Weber or freshman Josiah Welker.

Doubles: 1-seniors Dan Spears and Josh Lynn (the duo is 45-2 since being paired in 2003); 2-This spot is still undecided, with possible candidates including seniors Joe Hazy, Jon Clausen, Tony Campagna, Mike Youngo, juniors Zach Bombatch, Jarod Braham and sophomore Rick Stutz.

Outlook: "When you've had 21 straight winning seasons, you don't want that streak to come to an end," said Gilson. "We'd like to be Region I champion again, but Kennedy Catholic is awfully tough."

KnochCoach: Tom Gammell, ninth year

2005 record: The Knights finished 3-14

Singles: 1-Evan Shaffer (senior); 2-Adam Napora (senior); 3-Tony Doyle (sophomore).

Doubles: 1-Sophomore Aaron Ramsey and freshman Joe Boros; 2-sophomores Zach Tresatti and Austin Hilliard. Also hoping to get a shot at varsity doubles play are sophomores Adam Sirkoch, Josh Henschel and Cory Brown.

Outlook: "Our sophomores were freshmen last season, just learning the game," said Gammell. "Right now we're just hoping to improve."

Seneca ValleyCoach: Eric Grove, fifth year

2005 record: The Raiders were 11-6 overall and finished 5-5 in section play.

Singles: 1-Caleb Zalenko (junior); 2-Ryan Zipf (sophomore); 3-Caleb Hudspath (junior).

Doubles: 1-senior Sean Moore and junior Ram Mahalingham; 2-juniors Tim Larkin and Ben Skal.

Outlook: "Our goal was always to have a winning season, and we've done that the last few years," said Grove. "Now, we want to make the playoffs."