JEFFERSON TWP — The 2012 season could be the one Garett Butler has been waiting for.

The fifth-year Knoch girls lacrosse coach has the most returning starters (10) in his time as head coach of the Knights.

The team has experience in every area of the field, as the majority of last year's starters were sophomores.

The youthful squad struggled to a 4-14 record in 2011. The Knights' first order of business is to improve on that mark, but the team's goals reach far beyond that.

“We have the potential to win quite a few games and make the playoffs,” said Butler. “The girls know each other well and are learning to play together.”

Following are preview capsules for the five Butler County varsity lacrosse teams.

GIRLSButlerCoach: Annie Tigano, sixth year

Last year: The Golden Tornado won the first WPIAL playoff game in program history.

Starters returning:

Attack — seniors Kathryn Hitchan, Megan Kunst and Casey Murdick.

Midfield — senior Maggie Dellen and junior Bailey Kraus (40 goals in 2011).

Defense — senior Hannah Kranbacher.

Outlook: The Tornado's strength to begin the season will be goal-scoring. Tigano hopes her young defenders can follow the lead of Kranbacher. The starting goalie spot is between junior Kam Bernhard and sophomore Kyleigh Jarosinski.“Our six returning starters have been together for a while and they're all vocal,” said Tigano. “We've had a junior high program for a few years. The talent coming to the varsity team keeps getting better and better.”

KnochCoach: Garett Butler, fifth year

Last year: 4-14

Starters returning:

Attack — juniors Kelsey Kloes, Mindy Norris, Kelsie Petit and Mandi Boldy.

Midfield — juniors Kaitlyn Crimbchin, Kara Fitzpatrick and Sierra Kaufman.

Defense — senior Desiree Goldstrohm and junior Holly Bachman.

Goalie — junior Rebecca Imhoff.

Outlook: This is the most returning starters (10) that Butler has had to work with in his five seasons as head coach. The Knights have experience in every area of the field.“The sky's the limit with this group,” said Butler.

Seneca ValleyCoach: Dina McCaskey, fifth year

Last year: 15-5 overall, WPIAL Division I champion

Starters returning:

Attack — seniors Kelly Cundiff (9 goals), Morgan Midkiff (49 goals) and Audrey Semel.

Midfield — junior Misha Demchuk.

Defense — junior Lindsey Leddon.

Outlook: The Raiders will feature a lot of younger players this season, including first-year starting goalie Haile Sandor, a junior.“We have midfielders who can play defense and attack and vice versa,” said McCaskey. “We're just going to take it game by game.”

BOYSButlerCoach: Brandon Hoskinson, second year

Last year: 9-9 overall, qualified for the WPIAL Division II playoffs

Starters returning: Attack — senior Cody Bachman (50 goals) and junior Tanner Kotch.

Midfield — senior Jake Whann and junior Cory Hilliard.

Defense — juniors Seth Horwat and Ian Bergbigler.

Goalie — sophomore Josh Jablonski.

Outlook: This will be the last season the Tornado will compete in the WPIAL's Division II. Hoskinson is hoping his team can build on last year's playoff berth.“We put a very young team on the field last year,” he said. “Now they're back with more experience.”

Seneca Valley

Coach: Peet Poillon, second year

Last year: Finished fourth in the WPIAL

Top players returning:

Attack — seniors David Hall and Mike Argyros.

Midfield — senior Mason Pynos.

Defense — senior Steve Kraynik.

Goalie — senior Jake Succop.

Outlook: With 10 starters back, the Raiders are primed for a return to the WPIAL elite.Poillon could not be reached for comment.