Manhattan ? Mallory Richardson has one more race to perfect her kick and she just might do it.

The Free State High senior passed one runner and nearly caught another as she finished third at Saturday’s 6A cross country regional at Warner Park. She was about 30 seconds slower than when she finished second on the same course last year, but her stride looked strong at the end.

“After the race, I’m always like, ‘I should’ve started my kick sooner,'” she said. “I never learn.

“Last year I was running really well, and I started running better at state. This year, I just hope to keep it going.”

That bodes well for the Firebird girls, who held off Lawrence High to win their second regional title in the school’s six-year history. With freshman Alysha Valencia winning the individual title covering the two-mile course in 11:54 the Firebirds should be in good shape for Saturday’s state meet at Rim Rock Farm.

“I had some concerns because Allison Yoder (Free State’s fourth runner) had been sick this week,” FSHS coach Steve Heffernan said. “At the same time, to win a regional title is very nice. The girls deserve it.”

The Lions made things interesting.

With four runners in the top 11, they nearly offset Valencia and Richardson’s high finishes. But freshman Megan Johnson had been injured this week, hampering Lawrence’s depth.

Still, with Meg Gentry (6), Jenni Beasley (7) and Lauren Davis (8) in the top 10, it eased Johnson’s 11th-place finish and nearly gave LHS a title sweep.

“I was happier with our girls,” LHS coach Dick Reamon said. “Megan Johnson isn’t quite right; she’s been injured. If she runs the way she probably can, I think we get Free State. In my opinion.”

Each team will have to work to catch defending state champion Shawnee Mission Northwest, which won the Sunflower League meet Oct. 19. Still, a state meet at your home course can’t be all bad, even if it is a hilly, challenging course much like Warner Park.

“It’s (Warner) not as difficult as Rim Rock,” Richardson said. “But I always manage to have a good race at Rim Rock. With all those people in front of you, cheering, it just keeps you going.”