Free State freshman Maddie Dieker, left, outruns Lansing senior Jennifer Nye for the ball Friday, March 25, 2011 at Free State.

Free State High’s girls soccer team opened its spring season in convincing fashion with a 5-0 blanking of Lansing on Friday at FSHS.

The Firebirds lost, 2-1, to Lansing in the regular season last year.

Kathryn Sarraf scored twice, while Margaux Gill, Abbey Casady and Alexa Harmon-Thomas pitched in goals for the Firebirds (1-0).

“I’m excited that we’re finishing,” Free State coach Kelly Barah said. “If we’re starting with five goals, it means we can finish. It looks promising.”

Sophomore goalkeeper Elena Auer was credited with the shutout.

“I think recently, through practices, Elena’s importance has become huge,” Barah said. “She’s playing really well right now. The whole team played well. I’m really excited for this year with (Auer) in goal.”

Free State will travel to Topeka on Tuesday to take on Shawnee Heights.