Seneca Valley is trying to make the PIAA boys volleyball playoffs a regular occurrence on the schedule.

Butler is just trying to get there.

Both teams begin their seasons Saturday. The Raiders will compete in the North Allegheny Tournament while the Golden Tornado head to the Norwin Tournament.

Lew Liparulo — the only head coach the Butler boys have ever had — is back for his 20th season at the helm. Dan Follett, a 2007 Seneca Valley graduate, returns to his alma mater to make his head coaching debut.

“We've never gotten to states,” Liparulo said. “We've gotten to the WPIAL playoffs a number of times in recent years and that's not good enough anymore.

“We're anxious to take that next step.”

Butler was 9-5 last season, losing to Plum in the first round of the WPIAL playoffs. Nine seniors graduated from that unit, including both starting setters.

But plenty of experience is coming back.

“We've got a very strong sophomore claass, yet the seniors and juniors will all contribute to the program,” Liparulo said. “We used a lot of people last year and we will do that again.

“We will serve and receive well and our speed and attack will be much better this year. As our passing gets better, our hitting will get better.”

Sophomore Andrew Paterno steps in as the Tornado setter this season. Middle hitters will be juniors Andrew Huey and Peter Swain, sophomore Rob Kunst.

Senior Brandon Wampler, junior Matt Rudzski and sophomore Arum Krause man the left front. Senior Luke Bryan and and sophomore Keenan Krause are weakside options.

“Andrew is an excellent athlete and a good leader,” Liparulo said. “He won't freeze under pressure and he'll make good decisions. He'll continue to improve as he plays.”

Sophomore Chris Fiorina will be the libero in the back row, joining junior Jacob Kauffman. Seniors Jared Boyer and Ben Oesterling will also rotate in.

“We have kids who really commit, who work hard in practice,” Liparulo said. “We have more multi-sport athletes on the team now, but they catch up in practice when they arrive from another sport.'

Follett inherits a brand new Seneca Valley team from previous coach Dan Mountain, who now coaches the Butler girls. The Raiders graduated their entire starting lineup — including 10 seniors — from last year's 11-2 team that upset five-time champion North Allegheny in the WPIAL playoffs.

“That's the advantage of having such a big school,” Follett said. “We've got plenty of athletes here. We have 30 guys in the program.

“Seneca Valley has been to the state playoffs the past two years. We want to continue that streak.”

Follett knows all about winning. During his senior boys volleyball season, Seneca Valley was ranked No. 1 in the state for a stretch. He went on to play for a Division III national championship team at Juniata College.

Follett was an assistant coach at Mercer University in Georgia the past two years.

“I was getting my masters there,” he said. “I came back home and this job was open. I'm very excited to be back.”

Five seniors will play key roles for the Raiders — outside hitter Kris Baier, setter Brad Hart, right side hitter Patrick Messmer, libero Tyler Blinn and middle blocker Alex Snyder.

Sophomore Taylor Matthews and junior Mike Jones at middle blocker, junior Josh Creese at outside hitter will also be major contributors.

“That's our core eight,” Follett said. “We have the pieces to do it. All we have to do is put it all together.

“Our strength will be our hustle. We don't have any one player who will stand out. We have a lot of players who are good. A big, strong team dynamic will be how we'll win games.”