The Seneca Valley girls volleyball team is no stranger to lofty expectations, but this season, the Raiders' hopes might be higher than ever.

After a second-place finish in the WPIAL Class AAA playoffs, the Raiders advanced all the way to the PIAA semifinals in 2010.

This season, Seneca Valley hopes to break through for a WPIAL title and again challenge for the PIAA championship. The Raiders are ranked No. 2 in the state by the Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association preseason poll.

“We have high goals and each year we seem to set our goals a little higher,” said Seneca Valley head coach Karen Martini. “Hopefully, we can finally achieve them with the senior leaders we have on this team.”

Middle hitter Cate Seman, outside hitter Meghan Drambel and setter Alex Karika are each three-year letter winners and hope to finish their careers in style.

Seneca Valley boasts seven seniors in all, as Emma Carter, Shannon Rhea, Laura Thomas and Michaela Cowden will provide valuable leadership, as well.

“Last year, we lacked team leadership. But this year, some kids have surprised me,” said Martini. “They're playing as a team and that's the most important thing they can do.”

Juniors Trisha Conley and Madison Hoffman should make an impact in the front row, while sophomores Abbie Trezciak and Angela Seman will be regular contributors for a second straight season.

“(The sophomores) were definitely a key to our success last year,” said Martini. “They have a huge role on this team and hopefully will for the next three years.”

The Raiders will undoubtedly be a force in their section, but Martini knows the competition will be stiff.

“Each year everyone wants to say their section is the hardest, but if you look at the state rankings we usually have three teams in there,” she explained. “That tells you a lot.

“We can never let our guard down.”

Butler, coming off a 7-7 season, will be one the of the teams trying to give the Raiders trouble. The Golden Tornado have been decimated by graduation over the past two years, but still possess enough talent to challenge the top squads in the section.

“We want to surprise some people,” said Butler head coach Meghan Lucas. “We have defense on our side and we're working to get stronger offensively. I think we can progress quite a bit in a short amount of time.”

Butler

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Coach: Meghan Lucas, ninth seasonn

Last year: 7-7 overall, 6-6 in section (fourth)n

On the attack: Heather Straynick (junior), MacKenzie O'Donnell (junior), Lauren Maher (junior), Gabriell Carney (sophomore), Harley Scibicki (sophomore), Olivia Wiest (junior), Suzy Klann (junior)n

Setting up: Ashley Grooms (senior), Makenzie Huey (senior)n

Libero/defense: Morissa Yusko (junior), Erin Hilderbrand (sophomore), Hueyn

Outlook: Butler has lost 16 players to graduation over the past two years, but the Golden Tornado still figure to be competitive in a tough section.Defense is expected to be a strength for the squad, as Butler will likely be scrappy in the back row and keep volleys alive with regularity. The offense should progress throughout the season with continued growth from the younger players.Seneca Valleyn

Coach: Karen Martini, sixth seasonn

Last year: 24-5 overall, second in section, third in staten

On the attack: Cate Seman (senior), Meghan Drambel (senior), Emma Carter (senior), Trisha Conley (junior), Madison Hoffman (junior), Abbie Trezciak (sophomore)n

Setting up: Alex Karika (senior)n

Libero/defense: Shannon Rhea (senior), Laura Thomas (senior), Michaela Cowden (senior), Angela Seman (sophomore)n

Outlook: With eight seniors coming back from last year's run to the state semifinals, the Raiders are both talented and experienced.Seneca Valley figures to be among the favorites for a section title and are poised for another deep run in the PIAA Class AAA playoffs.Freeportn

Coach: Tom Phillips, 11th seasonn

Last year: 21-0 regular season, WPIAL Class AA championsn

On the attack: Ashley Sample (junior), Taylor Schrecengost (senior), Alexis Schrecengost (sophomore), Amanda Hewitt (sophomore), Megan Sweeney (sophomore), Lauren Frazetta (junior), Jess Aulcino (junior), Danica Durand (junior) Macy Smolic (freshman), Jess Kelley (freshman)n

Setting up: Lynsey Gugino (senior), Brittany Bianco (sophomore), Emily Toy (sophomore)n

Libero: Jessica McFadden (senior)n

Outlook: The defending WPIAL Class AA champions lost four seniors from a season ago, but the Yellowjackets — who have posted a 73-3 regular season record in the past four years — are loaded yet again.Ashley Sample will lead the way, and Freeport's senior class of Lynsey Gugino, Jessica McFadden and Taylor Schrecengost should provide solid leadership. The Yellowjackets possess great depth and have their sights set on another WPIAL title, along with a deep run in the PIAA playoffs.Knochn

Coach: Diane Geist, 26th seasonn

Last year: 7-3 in section play, tied for second, lost in second round of WPIAL playoffsn

On the attack: Brooke Armahizer (senior), Alison Rykaczewski (senior), Celina Sanks (sophomore), Schaely Renfrew (sophomore), Kayla Rau (junior)n

Setting up: Stephanie Gross (senior)n

Libero/defense: Jessi Boldy (senior), Mindy Norris (junior)n

Outlook: The Knights lost four hitters to graduation but still expect to challenge for the section title. Ambridge and Mars will be the main obstacles for Knoch to attain its goal, but the Knights could vault past their rivals.One of Knoch's strengths is playing together as a team and the Knights hope to see consistent production from sophomore outside hitter Celina Sanks and senior setter Stephanie Gross.Marsn

Coach: Dan Mountain, fifth seasonn

Last year: 17-3 overall, tied for second in section, lost in WPIAL Class AA quarterfinalsn

On the attack: Maura Randolph (senior), Jaden Zimmer (junior), Emily King (junior), Abby Matusik (junior)n

Setting up: Katie King (junior)n

Libero/defense: Lara Caraway (senior), Haley Milcic (senior), Melanie Dinderman (junior)n

Outlook: With several key players returning, the Planets expect to be in the mix for a section title this year. There is great parity among WPIAL Class AA squads, but Mars feels it can play with anyone.It will be difficult for opposing teams to pick up easy points, as the Planets boast a defensive unit led by senior libero Lara Caraway. Haley Milcic and Melanie Dinderman are also reliable athletes in the back row.Moniteaun

Coach: Tracy Rankin, fourth seasonn

Last year: 4-12 overalln

On the attack: Katie Brehm (senior), Brittany Wright (senior), Melissa Anderson (senior), Megan Blauser (senior), Mariah Clark (senior)n

Setting up: Alyssa Ashbaugh (junior)n

Libero/defense: Shelby Bowser (senior), Kelsey Anderson (junior) and Ashley Brehm (junior)n

Outlook: With just nine varsity players, Rankin still believes the Warriors can improve this season. Moniteau's length in front of the net should lead to some blocks and disrupt opposing hitters.A-C Valleyn

Coach: Doug Knox, sixth seasonn

Last year: 11-2 regular season, District 9 Class A quarterfinalistn

On the attack: Tricia Kerlin (senior), Alexis Linamen (junior), Kelsey Boocks (junior), Makayli Terwilliger (sophomore)n

Setting up: Meredith Snyder (junior), Emily Quaill (junior)n

Libero: Abby Wetzel (junior)n

Outlook: A-C Valley enters the season with high expectations. The Falcons return most of their starters from a year ago and should be a formidable opponent for every school they face.The Falcons will aim for their fifth consecutive District 9 Class A playoff appearance and hope to make some serious noise in the tournament.Unionn

Coach: Barry Divins, 17th seasonn

Last year: 12-7, lost in first round of District 9 Class A playoffsn

On the attack: Sierra Smith (senior), Delani Priester (junior), MacKenzie Divins (junior), Jess Brink (senior), Leah Conner (sophomore), Danice Stuart (senior)n

Setting up: Kara Flick (sophomore), Sydney Varnar (sophomore), Cassie McGarrity (sophomore)n

Libero: Danara Hawk (sophomore)n

Outlook: The Damsels will rely on their defense and hustle to compete with the elite teams of District 9. Union lacks a standout player, but a team-first approach could land the Damsels in playoffs.Karns Cityn

Coach: Julie Bear, second seasonn

Last year: 5-6 overalln

On the attack: Ally Olkowski (senior), Taylor Armstrong (senior), Heather Henry (junior), Leah Bullman (junior), Leah McGuire (junior)n

Setting up: Kristen Smith (sophomore)n

Libero: Erin Wiles (senior)n

Outlook: The Gremlins return Ally Olkowski to the squad but are otherwise inexperienced at the varsity level. However, the girls played well as a team at junior varsity and the familiarity could lead to success.As the squad gains experience with each match, the Gremlins figure to steadily improve as the season rolls along.