Seneca Valley was on the threshold of a WPIAL Division 1 boys' lacrosse championship last year only to have its hopes smashed by Mt. Lebanon.

The Raiders were the top seed going into the first WPIAL playoffs contested in boys' lacrosse but lost to Mt. Lebanon in the semifinals in heartbreaking fashion, 7-6, in overtime. Mt. Lebanon went on to win its fourth consecutive Western Pennsylvania championship and the first title under the WPIAL banner.

Seneca Valley had its season abruptly end two days after the semifinal loss. Seneca Valley fell, 10-8, to rival North Allegheny in a consolation match to determine the third WPIAL representative for the PIAA playoffs.

Seneca Valley finished with an overall 14-5 record and claimed the Division 1, Section 2 championship.

"We did a lot of great things last year as a team, so to end the season with two losses was bittersweet," Raiders coach Peter Hoffman said. "That's one of the catalysts for our seniors this year. They remember how last year ended and they don't want to be in that situation again."

The Raiders are 13-0 overall, 5-0 in section play. Included in that record is a 9-8 non-section victory against perennial powerhouse Mt. Lebanon on April 1 at home.

Other notable victories include a 10-8 decision to open the season March 26 against Hudson, Ohio, one of the top programs in the Cleveland area, and a 13-12 win against Bishop Timon-St. Jude of Buffalo, N.Y., April 9.

The Raiders best victory of the season -- and perhaps the top win in program history -- came when Seneca Valley thumped Manheim Township, 13-8, at home on April 23. The Blue Streaks are No. 1 in District 3, according to the Laxpower.com computer rankings. Seneca Valley is rated first in the WPIAL by Laxpower.com with Mt. Lebanon (10-3) ranked No. 2.

"We've tried to build as strong a schedule as we can outside of our division," Hoffman said. "We want to play the best teams. If we expect to compete with a team like Mt. Lebanon, then we've got to get used to that level of play by playing the best possible teams. This year may be as strong a schedule as we've had."

Seneca Valley traveled to Orchard Lake (Mich.) St. Mary's and Toledo St. John's last weekend, winning both matches. A game at Cleveland's Western Reserve Academy is planned for May 14.

"Our guys have responded well and have played hard. We're hoping to get to that point each year where we are a reloading type of program like Mt. Lebanon. That's what we're shooting for," Hoffman said.

"We expected to have another good team this year, but I don't think anyone expected us to be where we are right now."

Seneca Valley is led by senior attacker Jake McAndrew, a 40-goal scorer last year. He had 22 goals and 18 assists in the first 10 games. McAndrew is a Mercyhurst recruit along with senior long-stick midfielder Joe Natoli. Mercyhurst is ranked No. 1 in NCAA Division II.

"We're a pretty senior-heavy team," Hoffman said. "There are seven or eight seniors who have been pretty big contributors since I got here when they were sophomores. When you're having a good season like we're having this year, it's not just a couple guys. We have contributions from all over the place."

Another experienced contributor is senior attacker Sean O'Rourke with 37 goals and nine assists. O'Rourke, a four-year starter, is a converted midfielder.

"He played attack when he was in middle school so I knew he'd be a capable scorer and he has really stepped up this year," Hoffman said.

Others who have helped produce the unbeaten season are senior midfielders Sam Jarrett and Rob Fyock along with senior goalie Ryan Bohn, a Robert Morris recruit, and senior defender Joe Chowansky, a former midfielder.

Junior midfielder Will Koontz has become a reliable offensive threat with 19 goals. Koontz moved to the Seneca Valley district after playing last year for Long Island powerhouse St. Anthony's (N.Y.).

"We've been building to this point for the last three years and the guys are really trying hard to make it a special year," Hoffman said. "We've had a successful year so far, but we're focusing on how is this going to get us ready for the playoffs. That's how we're looking at it. That's where our focus has been.

"While we're excited about our record, we know we still have a lot of work to do. Lebo is always going to be tough at the end of the year ... like they always are."

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