Olathe ? Free State High’s softball squad split a doubleheader with Olathe North on Tuesday, falling in the first game, 3-1, but rallying for a 9-7, eight-inning victory in the nightcap at the Olathe District Activities Center.

In the opener, the Firebirds scored their lone run in the first inning and only had five hits off O-North pitcher Samantha Evans. In the second game, however, Free State pounded Evans and O-North, posting 13 hits.

Catherine Smith (3-4) picked up the loss in the opener but bounced back to record the victory in the nightcap.

“We came out and played really well with a lot of heart and kept pounding away,” Free State coach Pam Pine said.

Free State (5-7 overall, 2-5 Sunflower League) will play Thursday at Olathe Northwest.

Olathe North 3-9, Free State 1-7

FIRST GAME

Free State 100 000 0 — 1 5 1

Olathe North 000 012 x — 3 7 1

W–Samantha Evans. L–Catherine Smith (2-4).

2B–FSHS: Livi Abney.

FSHS highlights: Abney 2-for-4; Chloe Hall 2-for-4.

SECOND GAME (8 innings)

Free State 040 000 23 — 9 13 1

Olathe North 400 000 21 — 7 15 1

W–Smith (3-4). L–Evans.

2B–FSHS: Brooke Abney, Jamie Stanclift.

Free State highlights: Livi Abney 2-for-4; Hall 2-for-5; Hannah Sommers 2-for-3; Aleese Kopf 2-for-4.