JACKSON TWP — It went into the books as a three-game sweep, but the Seneca Valley boys volleyball team can say it gave North Allegheny its stiffest test yet.

The Tigers spoiled the Raiders' senior night with a 25-14, 27-25, 26-24 win Thursday.

Not counting tournament play, NA (12-0, 9-0) hasn't lost a game this season.

But the Raiders had wins in the second and third games within their sights.

"This was the first match all season that a team has come within two points of us in two different (games)," said Tigers coach Dan Schall, who led them to the WPIAL Class AAA title last season.

"I thought our effort was very good tonight," said SV coach Josh Springer. "It was a great atmosphere with senior night."

After winning the first game with ease, NA watched Seneca Valley take a 23-21 lead in the second game.

But the Tigers forced a side out to make it 23-22 and grabbed a brief lead before the Raiders' Conor Barrett's kill tied the game at 24-all.

The teams exchanged one-serve possessions and, with NA up 26-25, John Skarupa's block gave the Tigers a 2-1 edge in games.

With the way the second game ended, the Raiders might have been emotionally drained at the start of the third game, as the Tigers jumped out to an 11-4 lead.

But Steve Pecora managed four service points, including an ace, to pull SV within 11-8.

NA went four consecutive serves without scoring and SV was one point from winning the game at 24-22 when Matt Miller's kill gave the serve back to the Tigers.

Miller stepped up again with another kill with teammate J.J. Leroux behind the service line to tie the game.

Following another point, Leroux finished SV off with a service ace.

"There were a few things that didn't go our way," said Springer. "But, like I told the kids, we clawed back."

Junior Paul Kurlak led SV with nine kills.

Skarupa paced the Tigers with 11 kills, Steve Semler had eight and Leroux seven.

The Raiders have clinched a playoff spot with a 6-3 section record, but their seeding is still in question.

"We play at Bethel Park (today)," said Springer. "That's a very important match when it comes to seeding."

North Allegheny has high hopes to go with its high-caliber play.

"We want to win the state championship," said Schall. "Our guys aren't shy about saying that. It keeps us focused."

NA last won a state championship in 1999.

SV seniors honored before the game included Luke McKinney, Steve Vasko, Zack Wahal, Conor Barrett, Tyler Bauldauf, Dan Coyne, Cody Knight, Ryan Bernhard, Andrew Sandherr and John Fitzpatrick.