Manhattan ? Timing is everything in softball, whether it’s timely hitting or adjusting to a pitcher’s delivery.

Just ask Free State High coach Pam Pine.

The Firebirds dropped their Class 6A regional tournament opener Wednesday, 3-1, to Manhattan at Anneberg Complex. Free State (5-16) held the Indians (13-9) to seven hits, but nearly all of them came a critical juncture.

The Firebirds, meanwhile, managed just three hits.

“They got hits when they needed to and we didn’t,” FSHS coach Pam Pine said. “Their pitching didn’t look overpowering, but I thought we looked a little timid. We needed to be more aggressive.”

Manhattan, the regional’s top seed, scored first, notching two runs in the third inning after two well-hit balls off FSHS pitcher Felicia Freeman. Those were the only line drives hit off the junior all game.

“I thought Felicia pitched well,” she said. “She kept them off-balance and really worked her pitches.”

Freeman’s performance was the main reason the Firebirds stayed in the game.

Free State High pitcher Felicia Freeman pitches to a Manhattan batter during Class 6A regional play. The Firebirds lost to the Indians, 3-1, Wednesday in Manhattan.

“I knew coming in that this could be one of our last games of the season,” she said. “I knew I had to go out with all I had.”

FSHS cut into the Indians’ lead with its lone run in the fourth inning. Sophomore Jamie Stanclift led off with a walk, then scored two batters later on sophomore Dacia Sprow’s sacrifice fly.

The Firebirds never threatened again.

Afterward, Pine and her squad struggled with coming close but falling short. The Firebirds stayed for the start of the LHS-Manhattan championship game, but left before it was over.

After all, Pine thought her team would be playing in that game.

“Yeah, I did,” she said. “I really thought we could come in and pull it off.”