Lawrence High senior Lauren Massey laughs with her teammates after hitting a home run during the second inning against Shawnee Mission North on Thursday, May 5, 2011 at Free State.

Lawrence High senior pitcher Lauren Massey has thrown her share of quality outings in her career.

So following her complete game, 10-strikeout effort in LHS’s 2-1 victory over Shawnee Mission North on Thursday evening at FSHS, she was a bit more excited about another aspect of her game — her first home run.

“Finally,” Massey said. “I always miss it by a little bit off the fence. It felt good.”

“She was great (in the circle),” LHS coach Reenie Stogsdill said. “And I think that home run she hit got her adrenaline going, too.”

The no-doubt blast to left field put the Lions on top, 1-0, a lead which Massey easily protected, as she quickly mowed down the Indians in nearly every inning.

She fanned one in the first, one in the second, and two more in the third before striking out the side in the fifth and two more in the sixth.

“A lot of it is mound presence,” Massey explained. “If you’re in control and you’re confident then you’ll pitch confidently.”

Massey helped her own cause again in the fifth with a single that set up LHS’ second run, after Lauren Byrn — who was 3-for-3 — smashed an RBI triple to right field.

Kristen Bell went 1-for-2 and was hit by a pitch for the Lions (9-8).

Massey only relented three hits and gave up an unearned run in the seventh after an error and a single.

“Everyone makes errors; I make errors,” Massey said. “It’s about moving past that and getting the next batter.”