Shawnee ? Free State High absorbed its first softball losses of the season Thursday, falling to Shawnee Mission Northwest, 7-0 and 5-1.

The Firebirds had won their first four games.

They were limited to seven hits in the doubleheader against Northwest.

“I credit them,” Free State coach Pam Pine said of the Cougars. “They have some really good hitters. They put the ball in play.

“We were not as aggressive at the plate, and we saw a little bit better pitching than what we’ve seen.”

Free State (4-2) will travel Tuesday to face Olathe East.

SM Northwest 7-5,

Free State 0-1

First Game

Free State 000 000 0 – 0 4 2

SM Northwest 002 005 x – 7 7 1

W-Jones. L-Summer Mulford, 2-1.

Second Game

Free State 000 001 0 – 1 3 1

SM Northwest 000 320 x – 5 6 2

W-Jones. L-Mulford, 2-2.