One night after struggling to score in a doubleheader loss to Olathe North, the Free State High softball team jumped out to big leads in both games of the city showdown and went on to sweep Lawrence High, 4-3, 4-3.

Senior ace Catherine Smith pitched a complete game in the Firebirds’ 8-inning victory in Game 1, and tossed the final 2 1/3 innings of Game 2 to slam the door. Fellow senior Kayley Lane was 4-for-7 at the plate and scored four runs in the sweep.

For Lawrence High, freshman Lauren Massey went the distance in Game 1 and pitched the final four innings of Game 2.

The victories improve Free State’s record to 7-9, while LHS falls to 4-12.

Next up for the Firebirds is a home doubleheader against Shawnee Mission West on Thursday. The Lions will travel Thursday to SM North for a double dip.

For more on Tuesday’s city showdown, see Wednesday’s Journal-World.