Butler and Seneca Valley fell short of the WPIAL boys volleyball playoffs last spring.

This spring might be a different story.

Both programs have known only one head coach in their respective existences. Lew Liparulo enters his 12th year at Butler while Jeff Beavers is guiding Seneca Valley for a fourth season.

"We were 5-11 last year (4-8 in section), but our record was misleading because we lost so many close matches," Liparulo said. "We were a very young team last year and our experience should turn those losses into wins."

Seneca Valley was 6-6 a year ago after winning nine of 12 matches in 2003. And the Raiders graduated 10 seniors.

Of their 35 players this year, 25 are freshmen and sophomores.

"We're extremely young. Seven of the 12 guys I expect to see ample playing time are sophomores," Beavers said. "We kept a lot of people because volleyball isn't a sport kids learn in elementary school or can practice by themselves in the backyard every day.

"You're never sure how players will develop in high school, so you want to err on the side of numbers."

Butler and Seneca Valley are in Section 2 this year after playing in Section 1 with defending WPIAL champion Ambridge last season. But North Allegheny, a PIAA semifinalist in 2004, is in their section this season.

North Hills, Shaler and first-year varsity program Pine-Richland round out the section. The top three teams qualify for the playoffs.

Butler has 29 players in its high school program.

"We feel like we can get one of those playoff spots now," Liparulo said. "We're ready to become an offensive team after being a defensive team last year.

"Volleyball is all about controlling the ball. First step is serving and receiving. Second step is playing good defense. We're beyond that now. It's time to play good offense."

The Golden Tornado's 6-2 system features senior Ryan Walker and junior Shawn Vincent doing the setting. Outside hitters are seniors Rick Gonzalez, Chris Erdos, Garret Rettig and Matt Wickline.

Manning the middle are seniors Zack Wilms, Chris Falbo, Mike Bellis and junior Devin Koehring. Defensive specialists are juniors Ryan Collins and Andy Weiland.

"We're still a small team, but we're showing a lot of speed and intensity on the court," Liparulo said.

Three of Seneca Valley's four seniors will be in the Raiders' rotation. They are defensive specialist Tim Knecht and weak-side hitters Jesse Lopez and Drew Snyder.

Two juniors, middle hitter P.J. Duffy and defensive specialist Zach Luke, will also see action.

The Raiders' setter will be Dan Beebe, backed up by fellow sophomore Kyle Peterson.

"That's a key position to be young at," Beavers said. "We'll have to grow into that position."

Other sophomores in the mix for Seneca Valley are middle hitters Adam Beebe and Justin Hoffman, strong-side hitters Mike Emling and Dan Follett and defensive specialist Jon Lutz.

"Our sport is well respected in the district because we've been successful," Beavers said. "Plus, we make it fun. It's not a life or death situation."

Seneca Valley is 15-9 in boys volleyball the past two years after finishing 2-10 in its first year. The Raiders had 65 players try out for the team this year.

"Our goal is to make the playoffs," Beavers said. "I see NA, Butler and us at the top. We're not looking down. Inexperience will not be an excuse."