Free State softball draws Derby first

The brackets are all set for the Class 6A state softball tournament, and Free State High will play the final game of the first round Thursday at Blue Valley West, in Overland Park.

The Firebirds (19-3) received the No. 3 seed and will face No. 6 Derby (13-5) approximately 5 p.m., following the other three state quarterfinal games.

The Free State-Derby winner will see No. 2 Olathe East (21-1) or No. 7 Blue Valley Northwest (13-7) in the state semifinals at 1 p.m. Friday. From there, a loss would mean a third-place game at 3, while a win would bring a state-title-game berth at 5.

Class 6A

Thursday at Blue Valley West High, Overland Park

11 a.m. — No. 1 Topeka Washburn Rural (22-0) vs. No. 8 Shawnee Mission Northwest (14-8)

1 p.m. — No. 4 Wichita Northwest (19-3) vs. No. 5 Maize (18-4)

3 p.m. — Olathe East (21-1) vs. Blue Valley Northwest (13-7)

5 p.m. — No. 3 Free State (19-3) vs. No. 6 Derby (13-5)