There are several reasons for the recent success of the Seneca Valley girls volleyball team.

One of them is a touch of the Renaissance.

Three of Seneca's senior players - setter Mallory DeMarco, middle hitter Lindsey Skorupan and outside hitter Laura DuBois - have played for the Renaissance Club team for the last three years.

"Our experience playing club volleyball has definitely contributed to the success we've had here in high school," said DeMarco. "We get to play and practice all year round."

"The more you get to play with your teammates, the better you become as a unit," said Skorupan. "It's helped us become closer on the court."

All three joined Renaissance, a Pittsburgh-based team, with one goal in mind.

"To get better," said DeMarco.

They helped to put the Raiders (10-1) in the top five in the WPIAL and state rankings this season. Seneca Valley received the No. 1 seed in the district playoffs and awaits the winner of tonight's match between Greensburg-Salem and Moon.

Seneca Valley's second-year coach Heather Haff knows the benefits of playing outside of high school.

A 1997 graduate of North Allegheny, Haff played club volleyball as a teenager.

"Before 1997, I played for the Pittsburgh Golden Triangles," said Haff. "That team split up into two teams, Renaissance and Pittsburgh Elite.

"Playing club helps the girls get ready for a higher level of competition, especially if they want to play in college," added Haff.

DeMarco, Skorupan and DuBois are all considering playing in college.

But they aren't the only players from Seneca Valley playing for club teams.

Six other girls, including seniors Faith Guerra, Kristi Schutte, juniors Danielle Diamond, Anna Mancuso, Beth Copp and sophomore Angela Heagy, all play for area club teams.

"Some of the younger girls ask us how we've become good players," said DuBois. "And we tell them that playing club is at a different level. Your play improves just by being part of it."

Renaissance has made trips all over the United States. DeMarco, Skorupan and DuBois have played in tournaments in Ohio, New York, Louisiana, Florida and Texas, among other states. The season runs from November through June.

"It's just better competition," DuBois said "You have to try out for it. If you're not good enough, you won't make the team."

"Some players in high school don't take the game all that seriously," said Skorupan. "When you play club volleyball, you know everybody's more serious about the game."