BUTLER TWP — Butler County Community College's most consistent sport returns this fall after a year's hiatus.

The Pioneers' women's volleyball team begins its 2021 season Wednesday at Westmoreland. Rob Snyder returns for his 22nd year as coach.

“We got in a few practices last year, but no matches before the season was canceled,” Snyder said. “So, in effect, this is a brand new team.

“We generally have a lot of turnover from year to year anyway, so this won't be too different for us.”

Snyder is 395-153 in 21 seasons at the helm. His teams have won 11 Western Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference championships — including five in a row — and 10 Region XX titles. He's coached seven All-Americans and taken two teams to the NJCAA national tournament.

BC3 reached the district tournament in North Carolina in 2019, losing to the eventual national champion.

“This is one of the deepest rosters we've had in years,” Snyder said of his 12 players. “We have two setters, which is rare for us.

“(Moniteau graduate) Aslyn Pry at middle hitter and (Ellwood City graduate) Breanna Reisinger at outside hitter are two of the best athletes we've had in a few years.”

Snyder said the team leader looks to be sophomore libero Lainey Tobolewski, a Seneca Valley graduate.

Five players from Knoch — sophomore opposite hitter Morgan Frishkorn, freshmen outside hitter Madison Raypush, setter Morgan Jack, defenders Riley Danner and Kylee Bender — are on the team as well.

“Lainey is all over the floor and is our leader going into the season,” Snyder said. “She comes from a successful high school program, which is something I really like.

“Getting five from Knoch, given the tradition and success they've had, and the fact those girls have been playing together can only help us.”

Moniteau graduate Logan Barnhart is the Pioneers' other setter. Also on the team are outside hitters Abby Granato from Mohawk and Josie Rupp from Redbank Valley, along with middle hitter Claire Kile from Harvest Baptist.

Former BC3 players Autumn Rodgers, Jordyn Wyllie, Christina Dreher and Mary Romano are assistant coaches.

“It's going to be business as usual for us,” Snyder said. “Pretty much all of our players will be in the rotation.

“Our alumni scrimmaged our team the other night. I warned our girls they better be ready, that the alumni would give them trouble otherwise. But we did fine.”

The Pioneers' first home match is Sept. 1 against PSU Greater Allegheny.