Free State High players jump up and celebrate a point during their city showdown volleyball match against Lawrence High on Tuesday evening at FSHS. The Firebirds won their senior night match, beating the Lions in four sets.

Ranked fourth in the state, Free State High volleyball players passed their final test before heading into the postseason.

The Firebirds weren’t thrilled with how they played Tuesday on Senior Night, but they couldn’t complain about the result.

In the City Showdown, there’s no style points. It’s all about finding a way to win, and Free State secured a four-set victory over Lawrence High at FSHS, 25-20, 24-26, 25-18, 25-23.

Something about the rivalry game brings out the best in Free State senior middle blocker Naomi Hickman and that was a good sign for the Firebirds, who weren’t at their best defensively. The 6-foot-4 Creighton commit drilled a match-high 17 kills and recorded seven blocks.

“I’m always really motivated against them,” Hickman said, “just because they are our rivals and it’s really fun to play them with the crowds.”

During the fourth set, the Firebirds stormed back from a 21-17 deficit with big swings by seniors Hickman and Payton Gannaway, and an ace from junior libero Erin Cushing. With the score tied at 23-all, Hickman delivered a kill and the Firebirds sealed the match on a LHS attacking error.

“Tonight wasn’t our best night, I think that was kind of clear,” Hickman said. “We still just came through.”

The Firebirds (31-6) played all eight of their seniors throughout the match — Hickman, Gannaway, Jenalee Dickson, Natalie Clarke, Larissa Gaumer, Emma Barberena, Abbie Stewart and Caylee Irving — but had some trouble turning their defense into offense. Free State coach Amy Hoffsommer said the team’s weaknesses were exposed on defense and serve receive.

“I think just everyone was kind of high on emotions,” Dickson said. “Everyone was not quite as confident as they usually are. I think once we get that, we’re going to keep rolling.”

In the second set, the Lions watched their six-point lead disappear, but fought back from a set point with a kill and back-to-back aces from sophomore Baylee Unruh. It was the third time the schools have faced each other this season and the first time the Lions have won a set.

“I’m very pleased with the way played,” LHS coach Stephanie Magnuson said. “They earned every point, for sure.”

Lawrence High junior Olivia Morgan (22) sends the ball past Free State High blocker Natalie Clarke (6) during their city showdown volleyball match on Tuesday evening at FSHS. The Firebirds won their senior night match, beating the Lions in four sets.

The Lions (12-25) had a more disciplined block than their previous two matchups against their city rival and were much more aggressive with their serves.

Unruh led a balanced offensive attack with 13 kills after the Lions spent extra time in practice on hitting around a big block. Senior Abby Percich, senior Alexia Anglin and junior Olivia Morgan added five kills each on passes from setters junior Laurel Bird and sophomore Laura Willoughby.

Percich made the most of her final City Showdown, recording a game-high eight blocks — including four in the second set.

“Obviously they have some really good hitters, but I thought we were just on the top of our game,” Percich said. “We were communicating. We weren’t getting upset when something went wrong or they got a good kill. We really stayed positive and just kept being aggressive.”

The Firebirds led by as many eight points in the first set and six points in the second set.

Free State sophomore Rachel Hickman had eight kills for the Firebirds, on passes from Dickson and freshman Mya Gleason, while Gannaway and Clarke added six kills each. Junior Cameryn Thomas had five kills and three blocks.

“Tonight we had a target on our back, and here’s what you’ve got to do,” Hoffsommer said. “Every team is gunning for you. They are going to give you their best and you have to show up and take care of business. It was good for us to experience that.”

Both teams will learn of their sub-state schedules today.