The field is looking pretty wide open for a team that wants to make a run in Class 6A softball.

As the postseason gets started today, the regional with Lawrence High and Free State in it has no teams with a record better than 14-6, meaning there are no real dominant pitchers in the region that can shut down any team with ease.

First things first, though, and that’s a 4:30 p.m. first-round game for both city teams. Lawrence High will travel to Emporia and take on Washburn Rural, while Free State treks to Manhattan to face Topeka High.

Both city squads are 10-10, and both of today’s opponents are 11-9.

Should either team win, they would play at 6 p.m. with a trip to the state tournament on the line.

Free State is hoping to ride the momentum wave from its last game today. Last week, the Firebirds topped Olathe East, 5-1, giving the Hawks their first loss of the season after 19 straight victories.

“We didn’t just get by with a win,” FSHS coach Pam Pine said. “We beat them. The girls played well, and I think that gave them a good boost of confidence.”

Ashley Wagner likely will start for Free State in the circle today, and lately she’s been her own best friend. Not only has she mowed down opposing hitters with a 1.51 earned run average, but she also is hitting a team-high .356 to help her cause.

Sophomore Emily Leiker (.302 average) has provided timely hitting for the Firebirds.

“They all seem pretty excited,” Pine said. “We don’t really know too much about Topeka, but that might not be that bad of a thing.”

As for Lawrence High, an early season swoon was turned around in time for the stretch run, and the Lions finished the regular season 7-3. With sisters Drew Huff (.318 average) and Danielle Huff (.306) providing the big sticks, and junior Whitney Juneau pitching and hitting, the Lions have the power — and confidence — to go 2-0 today, if things go well.

“We started 3-7 and finished 7-3,” LHS coach Reenie Stogsdill said of the season. “I think we built some confidence late in the season. If we can put some things together, I feel good about both the games.”

Being on opposite sides of the bracket and at different sites, Free State and Lawrence High cannot meet in regionals today. The state softball tournament starts May 28 at the Clinton Lake Softball Complex in Lawrence.