Lawrence High softball players were disappointed with the way their season ended last year. They felt they had the pieces to earn a trip to the state tournament but were knocked out in the first round of regionals.

The sixth-seeded Lions hope to make up for it this year when they open regional play today. They will face third-seeded Washburn Rural in the first round of regionals at 4:45 p.m. at Olathe District Activity Complex. The winner will play Olathe North (16-4) or Manhattan (10-10) in the regional finals.

“We just need to redeem ourselves and do it for our seniors this year,” sophomore Annie Grammer said.

The Lions (11-9) haven’t faced Washburn Rural this year but know they will have to be on the lookout for sophomore pitcher Madison Roth, who throws a solid rise ball.

“They’re not the same Washburn Rural,” LHS coach Joe Dee Tarbutton said. “They are 14-6. But they are still going to be good, and they are the type that expects to win this time of the year. We’ve just to go out, and I told the girls, ‘Don’t be on your heels. Let’s go out and play and have fun.'”

The Lions received positive news earlier this week. Junior shortstop Sophie Taylor is expected to play today after exiting their last game early because of a knee injury.

“That makes me feel a lot better,” Grammer said, “because she’s a great player.”

Though the Lions haven’t had full practices this week, with underclassmen prepping for finals and seniors readying for graduation ceremonies, they have plenty of confidence they can earn a trip to the Class 6A state tournament.

“I feel the best I’ve ever felt going in,” Tarbutton said. “Tough bracket, but they’re tough all over, and our league is tough. That’s the advantage to playing in this league. You go out, and there’s no weak spots. … The seniors are all relaxed. I’m hoping it’s not too relaxed, but they’re ready to go.”