Topeka ? Free State High dropped its season opener to Washburn Rural, 3-0, on Tuesday night, but FSHS coach Jason Pendleton saw a silver lining.

“We showed some improvement from the beginning of the game,” the Free State High coach said.

After a two-day break, the Firebirds will return to their home field to entertain the Lansing Lions at 4 p.m. on Friday.