Butler was on the cusp of reaching the WPIAL team tennis championships last season.

With their top six players returning, they give the Tornado the experience to get there.

"North Allegheny won states last year, but they lost a number of players," said Butler coach Dave Hartzell. "But, they always have a good team. Pine-Richland returns a lot of players, so I expect them to be good, too."

The Tornado lost only one senior from last year's team. Matt Fend, who was a No. 2 doubles player.

Leading the way will be Matt Slamecka, Evan Kowalski and Will Nesbit as the top three singles players.

Here is a look at the Butler County area boys tennis teams:

ButlerCoach: Dave Hartzell, fifth year

Last year: 14-3 overall, lost 3-2 in WPIAL semifinals to Fox Chapel

Key losses: Matt Fend

Projected Lineup: No. 1 singles-Matt Slamecka (senior), No. 2-Evan Kowalski (senior), No. 3-Will Nesbitt (sophomore); No. 1 doubles-Stefan Kemp (senior) and Zac McCafferty (sophomore), No. 2-Kemper May (senior) and Zach Cavaliero (senior or Emil Kemp (senior)

Hartzell says: "We feel we have a very good team. An awful lot depends on injuries, but we do have high expectations."

Grove CityCoach: Shawn Sowers, second year

Last year: 9-4 overall

Key losses: Josiah Welker, Luke Spears, Charlie Port, Drew Clausen and Brady Beech (did not return)

Projected Lineup: No. 1 and 2 singles-Chris Chutz (senior) and Jon Stewart (senior), No. 3-Matthew Welker (freshman); No. 1 doubles-Cody Latimer (senior) and Sen Lee (senior), No. 2-Adam McCracken (sophomore) and A.J. Motta (senior)

Sowers says: "We just want to be competitive and fill in five spots. We hope to get better with each match."

KnochCoach: Ken Nieser, second year

Last year: 3-12 overall

Key losses: Joe Boros

Projected Lineup: No. 1 singles-Jake Rupert (senior); No. 2 and 3 singles and No. 1 and 2 doubles-to be determined between Jack Boros (sophomore), Tim Fritz (senior), Sean McDonald (senior), Corey Miller (senior), Brett Nickerson (junior) and Chris Ludwiczak (senior)

Nieser says: "I think we came close to making the playoffs last year and we'll try and make a playoff spot. I think we'll be a little bit better."

MarsCoach: Bill Pettigrew and Chris Knauff

Last year: N/A, fourth in section

Key losses: Andy Knauff, Tim Gaw, Ian Welsh, John Brake and Jake Miszuk

Projected Lineup: No. 1 singles-Dan Kearney (senior), No. 2-Brenden Blakeney (senior), No. 3-Max Kyrychenko (junior); No. 1 doubles-Alex Perri (junior) and Josh Brake (junior), No. 2-Mike Parrish (senior) and Mike Lindenbaum (senior), Conner Blakeney (sophomore) or Marcus Haneas (senior)

Knauff says: "Replacing a lot of players early in the year can make it tougher. ... But I think we have some ability."

Seneca ValleyCoach: Eric Grove, ninth year

Last year: 6-12 overall

Key losses: Warren Shaw, Robert Klasmier and Michael Hess

Projected Lineup: No. 1 singles-Andrew Wilson (senior), No. 2-Troy Abbott (sophomore), No. 3-Joe Shults (freshman). No. 1 doubles-Mayank Parashar (freshman) and Matt Hochberg (sophomore), No. 2-Lee Chandler (senior) and Steve Muti (senior), Kurt Branby (sophomore) or Kenny Boben (senior)

Grove says: "The last few years we have been focused on winning and making the playoffs and we put a lot of pressure on ourselves. This year we are focused on loving the game, having fun, working hard and having each player achieve their potential and give their best effort on the tennis court."