JACKSON TWP — Perseverance is a virtue coaches in every sport and at all levels hope to see in their team.

Bob Soller recently saw his squad use it to win a championship.

The Seneca Valley Varsity I inline hockey team won the PIRHL title by defeating Shaler 2-0 in a best-of-three series at BladeRunners in Harmar Township March 21.

The Raiders beat the Titans by scores of 5-4 in overtime and 9-4.

"All nine players did a great job and they all deserve credit," said Soller. "Through adversity, these kids really came around."

The Raiders began the season with a mediocre 2-3 record.

"The first few games, we just seemed confused," said junior goalie Joe Lang. "But through practice, we got our rhythm going. Once we got to the playoffs, we said to ourselves, 'We've got to win this.'"

SV finished the regular season with a record of 10-6. Two of those losses came against Shaler.

While the Raiders entered the eight-team playoff as the No. 3 seed, the Titans were the top seed and SV had business to take care of before it had any thought of revenge.

A 6-4 first-round win over Baldwin led to a 2-1, best-of-three semifinal series victory over Hampton, a team many believed to be the league's best entering the postseason.

"Once we beat Hampton, the team's confidence rose," Soller said. "The kids knew we had a shot versus Shaler in the title series."

It was Zach Hissam's goal that lifted the Raiders to the overtime win in Game One against the Titans.

"I was back on defense, stole the puck and ended up scoring," he said. "I skated by the net and saw the puck roll in.

"I've scored a lot of goals, but to score one in overtime of the title series, that has to be my fondest memory," he added.

The second game was lopsided, as the Raiders won by five goals to claim the championship.

The team heads to the state tournament, which runs Friday through Sunday in Philadelphia.

"Through the course of the season, this team has jelled so well," said Soller. "The teamwork has been incredible.

Top offensive players for the Raiders include Dylan Soller, Nick Verona, Ryan Schutte and Hissam.

Defensive stalwarts are Bryan Byrd, Dustin Soller, Derek Hathazy, Jamie Gloeckner, along with Lang in net.

Dylan Soller and Bryan Byrd also won a Varsity I title in 2009.

"We have great offensive firepower, but have been able to shut teams down with our defense," said Coach Soller. "Our guys have great passing and puck control."