JACKSON TWP — Fresh off the program's first-ever district title, the Seneca Valley boys lacrosse team has its sights set on a new season, with a new coach to go with it.

Lance Diamond was approved for the position in January, taking over for Peet Poillon, a former star player at Seneca who guided the Raiders for two seasons.

A good amount of talent was lost to graduation, but the cupboard is certainly not bare.

Junior attacker Tanner Pfeffer and senior midfielders Derek Finney, Wendell Frank and Cole Fyock return as starters after helping the Raiders average more than 10 goals per game in 2012.

“Frank is a very strong two-way midfielder who consistently creates offensive scoring chances and is a threat every time he touches the ball,” said Diamond. “Finney has been moved from attack to midfield this season. His speed on dodges and his hard shot are going to produce great scoring opportunities for us.”

The defense should be in good hands with seniors Luke Reed and Josh Headley.

“They are now in their third year as starting defenders,” Diamond said. “Their athleticism and defensive IQ will allow them to match up with the best offensive players in the WPIAL.”

Paul Cundiff will step in as SV's starting goalie. According to Diamond, the sophomore has a lot of potential.

“He brings not only a tremendous amount of talent between the pipes, but is also very athletic and able to create opportunities for us outside of the crease as well.”

SV is scheduled to begin the season tonight at Ephrata High School in Lancaster County.

Following are preview capsules for the six high school lacrosse teams in Butler County.

Coach: Brandon Hoskinson, third season2012 finish: Butler lost in the WPIAL Division II semifinals.Returning starters:Attack-Tanner Kotch (Sr.) and J.J. Raab (Sr.); Midfield-Cory Hilliard (Sr.), Chandler Harvey (Jr.) and Justin Steiner (Sr.); Defense-Trevor Monteleone (Jr.), Ian Bergbigler (Sr.) and Seth Horwat (Sr.); Goalie-Josh Jablonski (Jr.)Hoskinson says: “This is our first season playing in Division I. The speed of the game is a lot different and how we are able to handle that will determine how well we do. We will be challenged on a nightly basis.”

Coach: Justin Karam, first seasonProjected top players:Attack-Will King (Sr.), Zac Sicher (Fr.) and Blake Thompson (Fr.); Midfield-Hunter Mincer (So.); Defense-Nick Cimini (Fr.) and Peter Stahl (Fr.); Goalie-Pat Morrow (Fr.)Note: This is the Planets' first season of varsity competition after several years of organized youth teams. Karam, a Butler High graduate, played in high school and most recently was a coach for Butler's junior varsity team.Karam says: “It's a big jump to varsity for our kids and I'm not concerned with our record. As long as we continue to improve this season, I'll be happy.”

Coach: Lance Diamond, first season2012 finish: The Raiders won the first WPIAL (Division I) title in program history and finished 17-2 overall.Returning starters:Attack-Tanner Pfeffer (Jr.); Midfield-Derek Finney (Sr.), Wendell Frank (Sr.) and Cole Fyock (Sr.); Defense-Luke Reed (Sr.) and Josh Headley (Sr.)Diamond says: “I believe our team's strengths this season will be with our senior class (12 players) stepping up and being leaders on and off the field.”GirlsCoach: Annie Tigano, seventh season2012 finish: The Golden Tornado lost in the first round of the WPIAL Division II playoffs.Returning starters:Attack-Olivia Kappler (Jr.); Midfield-Bailey Kraus (Sr., led team with 30-plus goals) and Megan Crawford (Jr.); Goalie-Kyleigh Jarosinski (Jr.) and Kam Bernhard (Sr.)Tigano says: “We have a lot of speed that we're hoping to use not only to score goals, but also to get back on defense. Two juniors, Melissa Bartley and Lindsay Walter, did not start on defense last season, but are looking pretty strong for us.”

Coach: Garett Butler, sixth season2012 finish: The Knights were 3-14 overall.Returning starters:Attack-Mandi Boldy (Sr., top returning scorer with 28 goals and 23 assists), Kelsie Petit (Sr., 16 goals) and Sierra Kaufman (Sr., 11 goals); Midfield-Kara Fitzpatrick (Sr., 17 goals) and Kaitlyn Crimbchin (Sr.); Defense-Holly Bachman (Sr.) and Kayla Smith (Jr.); Goalie-Sarah RagerButler says: “This team has a lot of experience and that is a strength. We have balanced scoring coming back, but I've also been impressed with our defense.”

Coach: Katie Smolter, first season2012 finish: SV was 11-5 and lost in the WPIAL Division I quarterfinals.Returning starters:Attack-Natalie Roche (Sr.); Midfield-Maddie Koontz (Sr.), Kalie Soller (Sr.), Misha Demchuk (Sr.) and Lexi Pucci (Jr.); Defense-Lindsey Leddon (Sr.) and Rachel Leake (Sr.); Goalie-Hailie Sandor (Sr.)Smolter says: “The girls have worked extremely hard in the off-season to prepare for this year. They are focused and determined to improve each and every game. I expect both individual and team success.”