When Lawrence and Free State High hit the courts for the 6A tennis regional at 11 a.m. today at Kossover Tennis Center in Topeka, both schools won’t see too many strangers.

Of the eight schools competing in this regional, only two — Overland Park Aquinas and Topeka High — are not Sunflower League opponents.

“I think it helps,” Free State coach Jon Renberger said. “Sometimes the fear of the unknown is greater than having already matched up against the best in the state.”

Free State finished third in the Sunflower League tournament last week ahead of LHS, Leavenworth, Olathe East, Olathe North and Olathe South, all of which will be in Topeka today.

The Lions, meanwhile, are coming off a sixth-place finish at the Sunflower League meet. Lawrence’s best bet at a state qualifier is senior Scott Elwell, who placed third at the league meet.

For Free State, consistency may be the key. For much of the season, Renberger has maintained a set lineup, which he said worked strongly to the Firebirds’ advantage.

“Some teams juggle their lineups,” Renberger said. “But these guys have a whole season under their belt. They’ve weathered some ups and downs together.”

If Renberger’s season-long strategy works, it could mean a shot at advancing the team to state. The top four finishers in singles and doubles earn a berth.

The state tournament begins Friday at the Kansas State University campus in Manhattan.