The Lawrence High softball team wants to believe in particular patterns.

For example, the last time the Lions made the Class 6A state softball tournament — in 2000 — the event was held in Lawrence at Holcom Park.

Now, after a two-year vacation to Maize and Wichita, the state tournament is back in Lawrence, this time at the Clinton Lake Softball Complex.

Though none of the current players was around in 2000, the Lions still have a 4-year-old itch, and they want to be there this time around.

“Going to state is always a goal,” LHS coach Reenie Stogsdill said. “But we also understand that in order to get to state, we need to worry about one game at a time so that we can get a good seeding going into regionals.”

The Lions return a good chunk of their success from last year’s 12-10 team and have the tools to land that solid regional seed come May. Among the returners are two standout seniors, Danielle Huff and Jennifer Narcomey, both of whom have signed to play at Johnson County Community College next season and both of whom will play under Stogsdill for their fourth and final year.

“It’s like having a coach on the field — an extension of me,” Stogsdill said. “Both have matured so much the last year, it’s unbelievable. They’ve shown some real leadership.”

Also returning is sophomore Drew Huff, who earned All-Sunflower League honors as a freshman as the team’s starting shortstop. Though she’s dealing with a back injury at the moment, she’s expected to make strong contributions again for the Lions.

Also returning are Lawrence’s two pitchers, juniors Whitney Juneau and Lisa Pearse. Both logged significant innings on varsity last year, and their experience could be a big boost for the Lions as they take steps toward the state tournament. The first step is today, when LHS meets Olathe Northwest in a doubleheader at Holcom starting at 4:15 p.m.

Lawrence High's Jennifer Narcomey, left, and Free State's Felicia Freeman expect to lead their teams into the softball season, which starts today.

“We do have a lot of returning players,” Stogsdill said, “but we have some big holes to fill. It’ll be interesting to see how the younger kids step into their role.”

Free State

It’s unusual for a squad to have both youth AND experience, but that unique combination is just what Free State coach Pam Pine has to work with.

Eight returning players — as well as six freshmen — will help make up the Firebirds, who expect to improve on last season’s 5-16 record.

“Our goal is to improve every time we step out on the field,” Pine said. “I’ve got some experience coming back, and that’s a plus.”

Though there’s just one senior, Felicia Freeman, the Firebirds return several players with varsity experience. Among them is junior Jamie Stanclift, who locked down second-team All-Sunflower League honors by hitting a team-best .330 last season as Free State’s shortstop, and Emily Leiker, who will play second base again this season.

Junior Ashley Wagner returns, too, and likely will lead the Firebirds on the mound.

“We want to double our wins from last year,” Pine said. “We want to beat some of those teams that we were so close to beating last year. Our goal is to not allow as many runs to be scored on us.

“Overall, I feel pretty confident. I’ve got a great group of girls, and they’ve been working really hard.”