Seneca Valley has a new coach but the same obstacle: North Allegheny.

The Tigers beat out Seneca Valley for their boys volleyball section championship last year. North Allegheny, then eliminated the Raiders in the WPIAL semifinals.

"They're the nemesis. That's the team we have to find a way to get past," SV first-year coach Dan Mountain said.

Mountain is a teacher in the Butler School District. He coached the Mars girls volleyball squad last fall before taking over the Seneca Valley boys program.

"They were in a bind," Mountain said. "Their longtime coach (Jeff Beavers) went to England and their other coach (Josh Springer) has a different job and was unable to coach this year.

"I wasn't hired until late. I'm still getting to know these kids and they're still getting to know me."

Seneca Valley finished 10-2 in section play last season and graduated eight seniors, including setter Marc DeMarco and middle hitter standout Paul Kurlak,

The Raiders do have a few senior leaders this spring in outside hitters Nate Steele and Nick Shaffer, middle hitter Nate Hayden, and back-row specialist Gavin Codispot.

Cameron Knight, a junior, is the team's new setter. Other juniors figuring prominently in the lineup are right-side hitter Ben Hart and back-row players Doug Coyne and Matt Barrage.

The Raiders opened the season with a 3-1 win at Fox Chapel Monday night.

"That was a good road win right off the bat for us because Fox Chapel is another good team we have to get through," Mountain said.

Butler has been to the WPIAL playoffs four times in the past five years under veteran coach Lew Liparulo, who is entering his 16th season.

The Golden Tornado finished 9-8 overall last year and graduated seven seniors, including starters Billy Roberts, Andrew Willison, Chris Geigel and Andrew Henry.

Four lettermen return in senior middle hitter Spencer Koehring, senior libero Anthony Lewis, junior outside hitter Mike Dreher and junior setter Dustin DeFrancisis.

"Our kids worked hard in the offseason and played a lot of volleyball," Liparulo said. "I feel pretty good about this group.

"We started a club program this year and the kids are committed to it."

Other key players for Butler this spring include senior outside hitter Josh Houston, senior middle hitter Andrew Soldner, junior weak-side hitter Derek Wilbert, junior back-row specialist Dylan Snodgrass and sophomore Xavier Krause.

Joining Seneca Valley, Butler and North Allegheny in their section are Shaler, Pine-Richland, Fox Chapel and North Hills. The top four qualify for the playoffs.

"North Allegheny, Seneca Valley and Fox Chapel were all ranked in the state last year," Liparulo said. "We're going to have to battle hard just to get into the playoffs."