In the regional semifinal, the Firebirds outhit the Lions, 9-7, but simply couldn’t convert run-scoring opportunities, eventually falling, 4-2.

FSHS coach Lee Ice said that was partly his team’s fault, but also a product of the Lions’ senior leadership and relentless attitude.

“You gotta respect them,” Ice said. “They’re something to deal with.”

The Lions scored a run in the first inning to take an early lead, but the Firebirds’ Christy Wagner scored a run on an error in the third inning to tie the game.

Massey and Kasey Waite picked up RBIs in the bottom of the third, and the Lions added a run in the fifth for a 4-1 lead.

Freshman Remington Samuels drove in freshman Whitney Rothwell for the Firebirds’ second run, but a rally just wasn’t to be.

Most of the Firebirds (9-12) return next season, so Ice is hopeful that his players use the loss as motivation to work hard in the offseason.

“I don’t know what I’m going to do tomorrow,” Ice said.