Toward the end of the season, the young Free State High softball team started to gather some momentum.

Batters starting stringing together hits. Pitchers started attacking hitters. Fielders stopped making careless errors.

But after an eight-day layoff before today’s regional semifinal at 4:45 p.m. against Lawrence High at Topeka’s Hummer Sports Park, coach Lee Ice doesn’t know if his team is still riding that wave of energy.

The Firebirds (9-11) have stuck to a standard practice schedule since their 6-5 loss to the Lions at Arrocha Ballpark, mostly reviewing the skills they’ve honed throughout the season.

“But it’s really hard to know exactly what to expect tomorrow from everybody,” Ice said.

In the first meeting, the Lions (12-8) also beat the Firebirds, 4-2.

Ice said he is hoping his kids play relaxed, even against their familiar city rivals.

“There’s really no secrets going into tomorrow,” Ice said.

The Firebirds will send Mary Ann Smith to the circle for the first game. If they win, they will play the winner of No. 2-seeded Topeka High (13-7) and No. 7-seeded Junction City (2-18) at 6:30 p.m.

Megan Eagle will also be ready to pitch for the Firebirds, likely starting the regional final if the Firebirds get that far.

“This time of the season, they have a pretty good idea of what they’re expected,” Ice said. “Now it’s just going out and playing.”