The Greensburg Salem High School girls' volleyball team had the option of competing in Class AA this season, but the Golden Lions have opted to play up in Class AAA instead.

"We wanted to re-establish the rivalries we've had so long in Section 1-AAA," Golden Lions coach Brian Switala said. "We spent the past two years in Class AA and did very well. And we would have done very well again this year."

Greensburg Salem won a WPIAL title in 2006, its first year in Class AA. The Golden Lions made another WPIAL playoff appearance last year while competing in Section 5-AA.

"During both seasons, I had players tell me how much they missed the rivalries we had with the teams in Section 1-AAA," Switala said. "I also thought about the success our program had with [former coach] Lynn Jobe while competing in Class AAA. Lynn always wanted to face the best competition the WPIAL had to offer."

Travel time also played a part in Switala's decision.

"Most of our matches in Section 1 are 15-20 minute rides," said Switala, now in his sixth season as head coach. "In Class AA, most of our matches took 45-60 minutes [travel time]. In the end, it was my decision, and I decided it would be best for the program if we played up."

Greensburg Salem returns to a Section 1-AAA alignment that also includes Franklin Regional, Hempfield Area, Kiski Area, Greater Latrobe, Norwin and Penn-Trafford.

"Latrobe and Penn-Trafford tied for the section title last year," Switala said. "Latrobe has to be considered the favorite, and Penn-Trafford always has a strong team. I also see us in the mix for the section championship. We may be considered an underdog because we are moving up from Class AA, but I don't think we should be overlooked."

Greensburg Salem lost four starters to graduation, but still have a nice nucleus of lettermen returning.

"We have six lettermen back," Switala said. "The varsity experience they picked up last year will really help. It's a much different situation than what we faced at the start of last season. We only had two players back with varsity experience from our WPIAL championship team. This year, we have a good nucleus of returnees to build around."

The Golden Lions top returnee is Andrea Thompson, a 5-foot-11 senior middle hitter who was voted to the third team of the WPIAL Class AA All-Star team last year.

"Andrea has to be considered one of the best middle hitters in the WPIAL," Switala said. "Allegheny College and Carlow College are two schools that are interested in Andrea."

The other five returning letter-winners are also seniors, 5-9 outside hitter Jessica Yurinko, 5-10 right-side hitter Briana Kissell, 5-5 back-row specialist Kalee Agona, 5-6 back-row specialist Brittney Laken and 5-5 bac-row specialist Lauren Mough.

"These six players have been through the grind of qualifying for the WPIAL playoffs," Switala said. "They know what it takes."

Taylor Roddy, a 5-7 junior, has taken over the setting duties.

"Taylor's sister, Rachel, was our setter on the WPIAL championship team in 2006," Switala said. "It's a big jump from junior varsity to varsity, but Taylor is ready to step into that role. She's ready to become that impact player."

Other newcomers expected to see considerable varsity playing time are 5-10 junior middle hitter Ashley Dirado, 5-9 freshman outside hitter Lisa Kissell, 5-8 senior outside hitter Rachel Moyer and 5-5 junior Alyssa Garofola.