Ellen Toy enters her second year as Kiski Area's girls' volleyball coach with hopes of ending a six-year playoff drought.

"Kiski's last appearance in the WPIAL playoffs was 2001," Toy said. "We came very close last year, but fell short after tying with Franklin Regional. Our goal is to improve on last year's record. To reach that goal, we must qualify for the WPIAL [Class AAA] playoffs."

Toy is a Kiski Area alumna who graduated in 1979 after starting four years for the Cavaliers. Her coaching career began in 1982 as an assistant for the Plum boys' team. The following year, she accepted a head coaching position for the Plum girls' team.

"I was an assistant for the boys' team at Plum for five years and head coach of the girls' team for four years," Toy said. "We made four consecutive WPIAL playoff berths with the girls and won a PIAA title in 1993."

In 1986, Toy left Plum to become the girls' coach at Leechburg. In 14 seasons, Toy led the Blue Devils to nine WPIAL playoff appearances.

"Going back to my alma mater is something I felt I had to do," Toy said when asked why she left a successful program at Leechburg. "The Kiski Area School District developed me as a person and a coach. I wanted to give something back to my alma mater."

Toy said her players are way ahead of where they were going into last season.

"I put the girls on a conditioning program and held open gym once a week. We are much better prepared for this season than we were last season. And I'm sure that will show up in how we play," she said.

Kiski Area opened its season Saturday with a top four finish at the eight-team Butler tournament.

"I was very pleased with the girls' performance on Saturday," Toy said. "We made it to the semifinals before losing to [defending WPIAL Class AA champion] Hopewell. Hopewell then beat Butler in the title match."

Kiski Area posted a 3-3 record in pool play. The Cavaliers split with Bethel Park, recorded two wins against Bishop Canevin, then lost twice to Butler. In the playoff round, the Cavaliers beat Greensburg Central Catholic, 1-0, in the quarterfinals, then lost to Hopewell, 2-0, in the semifinals.

"I was glad we had a chance to play in a tournament before section play began," Toy said.

Kiski Area opened its Section 1-AAA schedule Tuesday with a 3-0 loss at Greensburg Salem. The Cavaliers play host to defending section champion Latrobe tonight.

"This week is very important because Greensburg Salem and Latrobe are considered the top two teams in the section," Toy said. "Greensburg Salem moved back to Section 1 after two years in Class AA."

Toy lost five players to graduation from last year's squad, but only two were starters. The biggest loss was outside hitter Lauren Butler, now playing at Allegheny College.

"We have a good group of kids back, including eight seniors," Toy said.

Four of the seniors are returning starters, 5-foot-7 outside hitter Kayla Weiser, 6-0 middle hitter Heather Hobbins, 5-5 setter Karly Thompson and 5-8 outside hitter Erin Ulizio.

"Kayla was our team MVP last year," Toy said. "She was also voted to the Section 1 All-Star team on the second team. Kayla missed the Butler tournament with a pulled muscle. We're hoping to have her back for this week's section matches."

The other seniors are 5-8 outside hitter Lauren Yohe, 5-2 defensive specialist Rachel Zaydak, 5-9 outside hitter Jaimi Hicks and 5-2 defensive specialist Maura McAvoy.

"Lauren sat out last season after having shoulder surgery," Toy said. "She is also a pitcher for our softball team. She's healthy this year and we're hoping she remains healthy."

Three underclassmen also saw significant playing time Saturday, 5-8 junior middle hitter Charisse Skinner, 5-9 sophomore outside hitter Felicia Reid and 5-2 junior libero Krista Schreiber.

"Charisse lettered last year," Toy said. "Felicia made her varsity debut at the tournament and did a great job filling in for Kayla."

The Cavaliers will play Saturday in the Shaler tournament.