WPIAL boys volleyball: North Allegheny denies Seneca Valley first gold in Class 3A championship
Seneca valley fell to North Allegheny 3-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca valley fell to North Allegheny 3-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca valley fell to North Allegheny 3-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca valley fell to North Allegheny 3-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca valley fell to North Allegheny 3-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca valley fell to North Allegheny 3-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca valley fell to North Allegheny 3-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca valley fell to North Allegheny 3-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca valley fell to North Allegheny 3-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca Valley’s Mario Ardolino (11) bumps a return to North Allegheny in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca valley fell to North Allegheny 3-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Jordan Hoover (26) celebrates scoring against North Allegheny in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca valley fell to North Allegheny 3-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca valley fell to North Allegheny 3-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca valley fell to North Allegheny 3-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca valley fell to North Allegheny 3-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca Valley’s Jordan Hoover (26) tips the ball over the net to North Allegheny in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca valley fell to North Allegheny 3-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca valley fell to North Allegheny 3-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca valley fell to North Allegheny 3-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca valley fell to North Allegheny 3-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca valley fell to North Allegheny 3-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca valley fell to North Allegheny 3-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca valley fell to North Allegheny 3-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca valley fell to North Allegheny 3-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca valley fell to North Allegheny 3-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca valley fell to North Allegheny 3-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca valley fell to North Allegheny 3-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca valley fell to North Allegheny 3-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca valley fell to North Allegheny 3-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca valley fell to North Allegheny 3-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca valley fell to North Allegheny 3-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca valley fell to North Allegheny 3-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca valley fell to North Allegheny 3-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca valley fell to North Allegheny 3-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca valley fell to North Allegheny 3-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca valley fell to North Allegheny 3-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca valley fell to North Allegheny 3-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca valley fell to North Allegheny 3-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca valley fell to North Allegheny 3-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca valley fell to North Allegheny 3-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca Valley’s Mario Ardolino (11) bumps a return to North Allegheny in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca valley fell to North Allegheny 3-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Jordan Hoover (26) celebrates scoring against North Allegheny in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca valley fell to North Allegheny 3-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca valley fell to North Allegheny 3-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca valley fell to North Allegheny 3-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca valley fell to North Allegheny 3-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca Valley’s Jordan Hoover (26) tips the ball over the net to North Allegheny in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca valley fell to North Allegheny 3-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca valley fell to North Allegheny 3-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca valley fell to North Allegheny 3-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca valley fell to North Allegheny 3-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca valley fell to North Allegheny 3-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca valley fell to North Allegheny 3-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca valley fell to North Allegheny 3-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca valley fell to North Allegheny 3-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca valley fell to North Allegheny 3-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca valley fell to North Allegheny 3-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca valley fell to North Allegheny 3-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca valley fell to North Allegheny 3-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca valley fell to North Allegheny 3-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca valley fell to North Allegheny 3-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Seneca valley fell to North Allegheny 3-1 in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
MCMURRAY — A good start by the Seneca Valley boys volleyball team wasn’t enough to overcome a great finish by North Allegheny.
The Raiders jumped in front with a 25-17 first-set win, but North Allegheny rebounded with three straight victories to claim the WPIAL Class 3A championship 3-1 Saturday afternoon at Peters Township High School’s AHN Arena.
The Tigers (15-1) won their first district title since 2022 and WPIAL-leading 23rd overall by scores of 17-25, 25-15, 25-20 and 25-18.
Seneca Valley has made the final five times, four of them against NA, and is still searching for its first gold.
Seneca Valley’s Jordan Hoover (26) celebrates with teammates after scoring against North Allegheny in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Seneca Valley’s strong presence up front lifted them to a first-set victory. Jordan Hoover and Abheek Nelikil put up multiple big blocks to complement strong hitting also led by Hoover.
The Raiders (14-4) did not look back after taking a 7-6 lead in that set, seizing control on a five-point run highlighted by an emphatic block by Hoover and Nelikil that made it 20-12.
“In the first set, we played really smooth,” Seneca Valley head coach Brett Poirier said. “Everything was going, there wasn’t anything that was bad.”
Hoover was a point of emphasis for the Tigers’ defense and was pivotal during the first set.
“He’s physical,” North Allegheny head coach Dan Long said. “He is quick and athletic. So a lot of times a middle blocker might be big but not dynamic across the net. He can swing from every zone. He has the vision to be able to work around the block.
“We knew he was going to get his, we knew that was going to be true regardless, kind of, of what we did, but we knew that we also had to kind of game plan around not letting the other guys beat us.”
The Raiders hoped to keep the pressure on in the second set.
“They knew going in they had to get that second set, and I said, ‘You set the tone with the first set, can we set the tone and take the second set and really push them to go?’’ Poirier said.
The Tigers did not panic and flipped the script with an improved service game that fueled a second-set win.
Seneca Valley’s Mario Ardolino (11) bumps the ball to North Allegheny in the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Volleyball Championship game on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Township High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Mattew LaMay’s serving caused problems for Seneca Valley.
“I can’t tell you how many sets this year we’ve started with him on the service line and we’ve ended the set with him on the service line,” Long said. “His ability to, not just with aces but putting teams in bad situations, we earn so many points on his serve.”
Both teams now look forward to PIAA Class 3A tournament, which begins June 3.
Seneca Valley will play District 3’s second seed, which will be determined Thursday. North Allegheny will play District 3’s fifth seed. The PIAA first-round sites and times are expected to be announced next weekend.
“We won at home, they won at home, and this was the neutral site, so we were hoping this was going to be our day and it wasn’t,” Poirier said. “It was their day, so hopefully we’ll get them back in states.”
That rematch would happen if both teams win two games to make the state semifinals.
