Last week, Lawrence High pitcher Lauren Massey tossed 19 innings, threw 186 pitches and walked none in a doubleheader split with Leavenworth and Shawnee Mission West.

LHS softball coach Reenie Stogsdill is hoping for a similar effort tonight when she sends Massey to the mound for Game 1 of the Lions’ doubleheader with crosstown rival Free State High.

Both teams possess talented pitching – Massey for LHS and ace Catherine Smith for FSHS.

“The team that comes out relaxed and with a lot of intensity will win,” Stogsdill said.

The Lions enter tonight’s doubleheader at Holcom with a record of 4-10.

After starting the season 1-3, LHS climbed back to 3-3 with a sweep of SM East, but has won just one of its last eight games.

Despite the sluggish start and midseason slump, Stogsdill said her team remained focused on improving.

“I think it’s really important to keep getting better so that when regionals get here we are ready,” Stogsdill said. “Mentally, we have to be up for every inning.”

Free State enters tonight’s showdown with a record of 5-9. After splitting the first four games of the season, FSHS has continued its roller-coaster ride throughout the season.

Both teams are loaded with underclassmen who have been forced into action earlier than expected. However, both coaches seemed to think the contribution of their most experienced players – LHS seniors Brittaney Krug and Kalli McClure and Free State seniors Smith and Kayley Lane – would go a long way in determining who wins tonight’s clash.

Game 1 is slated to begin at 5 p.m. Game 2 is scheduled to start around 6:30.