The Thomas Jefferson High School boys' volleyball team has moved to a new classification, but its schedule hasn't become any easier.

In fact, it could be more difficult.

"There are four teams from the WPIAL in the state Class AA rankings and we've faced all four," said Jaguars coach Frank Staffen. "We faced Ambridge in a scrimmage, and three of our first four matches were against Greater Latrobe, Montour and Derry Area."

Latrobe entered the week No. 2 in the Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association state rankings, while Montour is No. 3, Ambridge is No. 5 and Derry is No. 7.

"This is the toughest schedule we've ever had to open a season," said Staffen, now in his eighth season at Thomas Jefferson.

Staffen had six players graduate from last year's squad, which captured its first section title.

"We had only four underclassmen playing at the varsity level last year and all four had minor roles," said Staffen. "This is clearly a rebuilding year, but I still feel we have the talent required to be a serious playoff contender."

Thomas Jefferson opened the season with four consecutive losses, including a pair of Section 2-AA setbacks to Latrobe and Derry.

"We made a few lineup changes after our season-opening [non-section] loss to Keystone Oaks," said Staffen. "We've improved significantly since that first match, but still need to improve our passing and defense.

"Our next three matches will let us know where we stand in the playoff picture."

Thomas Jefferson began that three-match stretch Tuesday with a 3-2 win against Steel Valley. The Jaguars will play host to South Park tonight, then travel to Belle Vernon next Tuesday.

"We have to win at least two, and hopefully all three, to stay in the playoff picture," said Staffen, referring to the fact that the top four teams in each section qualify for the WPIAL playoffs.

Staffen is in favor of the PIAA's decision to separate its 200-plus schools into two classifications.

"It's certainly a move in the right direction," said Staffen. "I'm hoping this change will bring more schools into the picture.

"It's not easy to start a program when you have to face schools that are two or three times bigger than your school."

Thomas Jefferson's only returning lettermen are 5-foot-10 junior setter/outside hitter Trevor Wildman, 5-9 senior libero Dent Holden, 6-4 senior middle hitter Scott Wassell and 5-9 senior defensive specialist Paul Grimm.

"Trevor was an outside hitter for the varsity last year, but was also our JV setter," said Staffen. "Trevor has natural talent and has a high vertical jump."

Staffen is using a 6-2 offense with Wildman sharing the setting duties with Ryan Richard, a 5-8 sophomore.

"Ryan had no varsity experience, but is handling the jump to varsity very well," said Staffen. "He's showing improvement in each match."

Newcomers to the varsity are 6-4 outside hitter Tom Yogan, 5-9 senior outside hitter Jesse Ras-zewski, 6-6 junior middle hitter D.J. Haddad and 5-9 junior outside hitter Phil DeSimone.

"Trevor and Tom are our strongest hitters," said Staffen. "D.J. is brand new to the team, but is catching on fast."