Last season, the Parkland boys' volleyball team captured its first league title in three years after defeating Bethlehem Catholic in the Lehigh Valley Conference championship.

Getting back to that level may be a bit tougher this season.

The Trojans graduated seven seniors from last year's team that earned its first LVC crown since 2010. But while they'll return just four players with varsity experience last year, head coach Scott Trumbauer expectations aren't changing.

"The expectations are the same as last year, and any of the previous years," Trumbauer said. "LVC North champion, LVC title, District 11 Class AAA title and a strong run into the PIAA tournament."

In looking to achieve back-to-back LVC championships, the Trojans will be without Michael Lewis. Lewis was a hitter for the Trojans last year that was named to the Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association All-State Volleyball Team. He was also an LVC First-Team selection and member of the PAVBCA Class AAA Fab 40.

With Lewis' departure, a number of senior Trojans will be relied upon this year in opposite hitter Mitchell Fox, middle hitters Tyler Phifer and Derrick Rice, and libero Christopher Schweikert. Trumbauer believes they are up to the challenge.

"We only return four players from last year's varsity team, but so far the new guys have really fit in well," Trumbauer said. "All of the players on this year's roster have big-game experience, whether that be LVC Championships, District 11 semifinals, or the finals of multiple JV tournaments. The team knows what is expected of them and has responded well so far."

The team will also be welcoming a number of newcomers at the varsity level, including junior outside hitters Matt Kiser and Sean Lewis, junior setter Loren Skinker, sophomore setter Andrew Hillman, senior defensive specialist Brian Wehbey, junior defensive specialist Jake Hauser, junior middle hitter Mahdiali Hassanali and sophomore outside hitter Kyle Stout.

Schweikert, the team's leader on defense last year, will provide the Trojans with a solid staple on the team's defensive pressure again.

"He has proven himself to be one of the best defensive players in the state, so having him on the court as much as we do is a huge bonus for us," Trumbauer said.

The Trojans started off the season with a win over Bethlehem Catholic in three sets (25-18, 25-18, 25-16) on Tuesday. They will host Nazareth on Thursday.