Asked about any lingering motivation for what might be her final appearance in the city rivalry, Lawrence High senior shortstop Drew Huff immediately recalled last year’s softball loss to Free State in the Class 6A sub-state softball tournament.

But what about the setback two months ago at that same stage of the girls basketball postseason?

“I didn’t even put that together. That’s pretty crazy,” Huff said.

Hoping to fare better in a regular-season context, Huff and her teammates get their chance today when they play host to the Firebirds in a 4:15 p.m. doubleheader at Holcom Sports Complex. The first game will count toward the Sunflower League standings, with the second meant for nothing more than a typical non-league affair – unless a little dose of last-chance bragging rights are your thing.

“We’re coming back and want to get a little revenge on them,” Huff said. “We don’t have any pressure. We’re kind of the underdog. Hopefully we can pull it off.”

Huff’s us-against-the-world belief is a simple result of the two teams’ records entering today’s twinbill.

The Lions have struggled to put together all three phases of the game at any one point this season, and the cumulative effect has been a mark that’s the epitome of inconsistency – 6-6 overall, 3-3 in league games.

Meanwhile, Free State enters with an impressive 11-3 record, including a 6-2 showing against league foes.

And, as is often the case in any border war, those numbers likely will mean squat once the two teams get down to business.

“I think they’ll be real good games,” Free State coach Pam Pine said. “They have a lot of pride and they’re struggling a little bit this year.

“These kind of games make me nervous because anything can happen.”

With that in mind, both Pine and her counterpart, LHS coach Reenie Stogsdill, know whichever team is able to put its butterflies to rest the quickest will have a distinct advantage.

The Lions hope to get there via their pressure-free attitude and the luxury of playing this year’s double-dip on their field.

“I think playing at home makes us a little more comfortable,” Stogsdill said. “Get a little comfy and make some things happen.”

Conversely, Pine has also found a way to spin the road trip across town – and the resulting first trips to the plate – in her squad’s favor.

“Our game plan is to come out and get on top, score early and just try to ride that out,” Pine said.