Twelve and counting.

South Side Beaver girls' volleyball coach Jason Benkowski has led the Rams to seven consecutive WPIAL Class A playoff appearances since taking over as head coach in 2003.

Prior to his tenure, the Rams claimed five playoff berths in a row. That's 12 consecutive years of postseason play.

"It's impressive to see a playoff run like that," Benkowski said. "It's a tribute to the hard work and dedication of our players. It also serves as a measuring stick for the next team. They don't want to be the team that breaks the streak."

South Side Beaver finished in a three-way tie for first place in Section 4-A along with Our Lady of the Sacred Heart and Avonworth. The Rams were not as fortunate, however, in the WPIAL playoffs.

"We faced North Catholic in the first round and lost the first two games," Benkowski said. "We came back to win the next two games, but couldn't win the fifth.

"It was very disappointing, but we were a junior heavy team. We only had one senior on that team."

That means everybody else is back.

"I have eight players who will see most of the playing time this year, and all eight are either returning starters or lettermen," Benkowski said. "I have a very experienced team coming back."

The top returnee is Brittany Dhayer, a 5-foot-8 senior outside hitter who was voted to the third team of the WPIAL Class A All-Star Team last year.

"Brittany has started since her sophomore year," Benkowski said. "She isn't as thunderous as some of the outside hitters in the WPIAL, but she can pick apart a defense. She's also a good passer and strong on defense."

Kara Bucklen and Allison Frasier are also three-year starters. Bucklen is a 5-10 senior middle hitter, while Frasier is a 5-8 senior setter.

"Allison started on the right side as a sophomore," Benkowski said. "She moved to setter last year and did a nice job running our 5-1 offense."

Ashley Martin, a 5-6 senior, returns for a second year as the Rams libero.

The other four returning lettermen are 5-4 senior defensive specialist Sam Buffalini, 5-11 junior middle hitter Katie Dennis, 5-7 junior outside hitter Trish Lamont and 5-6 junior defensive specialist Carla Briggs.

"Sam played on the right side last year and will be in the back row this year." Benkowski said. "Carla played in the back row for Trish last year."

Benkowski plans to feature Dhayer as much as possible in the Rams attack.

"Brittany is our go-to hitter," Benkowski said. "Probably half of the sets will go to Brittany. "The other half of the sets will be split by Kara, Katie, and Trish."

Benkowski is expecting another battle with Avonworth and Our Lady of the Sacred Heart for the Section 4-A title.

"Both have a program capable of winning the section title every year," he said. "Both also have a knowledge-able coach. And now we've added Northgate to the section. That's four very good teams vying for three playoff berths."

South Side Beaver opens the season Friday afternoon against visiting Quaker Valley.

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