CLAIRTON — Second-year Thomas Jefferson softball coach Heidi Karcher insists her team has a new attitude this year.

A few new sophomores haven’t hurt, either.

An influx of young talent has led the Jaguars (14-6) to their first-ever WPIAL championship game appearance. They will take on Mars (12-4) for the Class AAA crown at 4:30 p.m. today at California (Pa.) University.

“I don’t know much about them,” Karcher said of the Planets. “I mean, we’re down here and they’re up there.

“We haven’t seen them. We don’t play anyone who plays them.”

Other than Elizabeth Forward — which Mars defeated in the semifinals — Thomas Jefferson shares no common opponent with the Planets.

But just as Mars has received stellar play from underclassmen this season, so, too, have the Jaguars.

Sophomore shortstop Rachel Bowers and sophomore catcher Emily Schneider lead the team with batting averages above .430. Sophomore pitcher Lacie Lautner has more than 100 strikeouts this spring and averages more than one per inning.

Amanda O’Toole, another catcher, is a senior who will play softball for Pitt-Johnstown next year. Three other seniors — outfielder Becca Bachman, first baseman Kyla Prickett and infielder Janelle Allison — will play for CCAC.

“I’m pretty intense as a coach,” Karcher said. “Last year, we lacked intensity as a team. We added an assistant coach this year, Jason Namestka, who is just as intense as I am.

“Our entire team attitude changed. Last year seems so far away.”

Thomas Jefferson finished just 3-12 last season, Karcher’s first with the program. She replaced John “Hoppy” Mitruski, who retired after 37 years at the helm.

“He ran a successful program, consistently getting to the playoffs,” Karcher said. “But the team generally lost in the first or second round.”

Thomas Jefferson last reached the WPIAL semifinals in 2008.

Now the Jaguars are a 13th seed going up against the 11th seed.

“I don’t heed the seeding too much,” Karcher said. “Everybody wants to be the No. 1 seed, but this is a one-and-done tournament, our version of March Madness.

“Anybody can be beaten on any given day, including us. If we keep getting timely hits and play good defense, we’ll be OK.”