JACKSON TWP — Dan Follett and Lew Liparulo are both anxious to get back to work.

Follett, the second-year boys volleyball coach at Seneca Valley, is ready to push the pace.

“We’re going to play faster. We had to completely change the offensive system last year,” Follett said. “It’s like we’re going from the I-formation to the spread.”

Liparulo wants to take a look at a team that he has high expectations for. Three weeks ago, the Butler veteran coach fell while jogging and sustained a concussion.

Liparulo was cleared to go back to practice for the first time Tuesday night.

During the Golden Tornado’s practices, Liparulo would call and find out what happened after.

“I think we’re well-rounded at this point,” Liparulo said. “I know this is a cop-out statement, but I haven’t been at practice, I’ve only talked with my assistant coach. I was with them all fall and winter and have seen a lot of improvement.”

Seneca Valley bowed out in the Class AAA WPIAL quarterfinals last season and finished 9-8. The Raiders were 6-6 in Section 2-AAA.

This season, Seneca Valley won’t have a big frontline. That means the Raiders will have to be quick.

Mike Jones, a 6-foot senior middle hitter, will be one of the key components of Seneca Valley’s offense.

Zach Lyman will be the team’s setter, while Tom Fitzpatrick and Josh Creese will be counted on to hit.

Matt Palichat will serve as a defensive specialist.

“I’m looking to expand on the foundation we laid last season,” Follett said. “The first year there is a lot of turnover and miscommunication because things are new. I expect this season to be much, much cleaner.”

Butler finished 6-6 in the section last season, missing out on the playoffs due to losing a tiebreaker with Seneca Valley.

Returning first team all-section and third team all-WPIAL outside hitter Matt Huey gives the Golden Tornado a big offensive threat. Fellow senior Matt Rudzki will provide outside hitting, while Josh Kauffman will be a defensive specialist.

Andrew Paterno will be Butler’s setter. Juniors Gabe Baroffio, Chris Fiorina and Andrew Hartzell should shore up the Golden Tornado’s defense, according to Liparulo.

“We have a core of kids returning who have played together,” Liparulo said. “When you can get kids to come up through the program together that’s a big benefit.”