Tyler Herrmann’s focused on making a perfect toss, then hitting the right spot on the court with his jump serve.

Where the 6-foot-2 Seneca Valley senior outside hitter put the volleyball sent his teammates in a frenzy.

Herrmann’s shot found a hole and went down as an ace, giving the Raiders a 29-27 first-set win on their way to a 3-1 PIAA quarterfinal decision over defending Class AAA state champion Central York Saturday at Altoona High School.

“I was just trying to keep it in,” Herrmann said. “When it landed, we freaked out a little bit.”

The win moved Seneca Valley (17-2) into the state semifinals for the first time in school history.

In the next round, the Raiders will take on section foe Fox Chapel, which is ranked No. 1 in the state by the Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association, at 7 p.m. Tuesday at North Allegheny.

Seneca Valley is 1-2 against the Foxes this season.

Fox Chapel beat the Raiders 3-1 in the WPIAL title match and both teams won on each other’s home floor in the regular season.

“It’s going to take a complete effort from everyone on the team,” said Raiders coach Dan Follett on what it would take to beat the Foxes. “They are built just like us. It’s a fun matchup and we’re looking forward to it.”

After Herrmann’s jump serve won the first set, the Panthers rebounded to take the second set 25-20.

Seneca Valley won the last two 25-20 and 25-22 by trying to keep the ball away from Central York star hitter Jeremiah Dabedoe, who still registered a match-high 20 kills.

“We were trying to serve him as much as possible to keep him out of rhythm,” said Herrmann, who finished with 11 kills and a block. “When he hit, he’d hit it around or through us. That’s when we started to go at him and keep him out of play.”

Strategy and contributions from a wide array of players helped Seneca Valley win.

Anthony Sprentz handed out 40 assists for the Raiders, while John Dolfi had 10 kills and five blocks. Taylor Matthews also had eight kills.

Follett was also pleased with Luke Pecora and Matt Gagnon’s contributions off the bench.

“We want guys to be able to come in and do multiple things,” Follett said. “Whatever we need, we plug in to get the matchup we want.”