Lawrence High's Morgan Husman rounds third base against Free State in the City Showdown on Monday, May 8, 2017 at FSHS.

The Lawrence High softball team did exactly what coach Nicole Riley wanted: it got off to quick start, and played “aggressive, excited and intense.”

Even so, Lawrence still found itself tied with crosstown rival Free State entering the third inning Monday evening.

But the Lions exploded for eight runs in the third inning, capped off by a three-run triple by freshman Karly Johnson, and cruised to a 16-5 mercy-rule win at Free State in six innings. Johnson was nearly perfect at the plate, going 4-for-5 with five RBI in the first City Showdown of her career.

“It was super impressive,” Riley said of Johnson. “I’m glad she stepped up as a freshman. I know that can be tough because this is a pretty intense battle. I’m proud of her.”

On the other side, the Firebirds loaded the bases four times on Senior Night, but couldn’t take advantage, much to the chagrin of coach Lee Ice.

“We just didn’t capitalize with the bases loaded today,” Ice said. “It’s been an ongoing theme for us this season. It’s not that we’re not getting people on base.”

Free State sophomore Karson Jacobson sprints to third base against Lawrence High in the City Showdown on Monday, May 8, 2017 at FSHS.

In addition to good hitting, the Free State also benefitted from Lawrence junior pitcher Zoe Brewer’s seven walks. She was able to minimize the damage each time with some help from senior shortstop Annie Grammer, who made two diving plays in the field to record the third out with the bases loaded each time.

Sophomore Angelina Harjo started the scoring for the Lions (9-9) with a two-run double in the first inning, and she scored on a single by freshman Sarah Cory. But the Firebirds (9-10) responded with a two-run triple by sophomore Emma Stanwix, and scored another run to tie the game at 3-all.

From there, Ice said his team wasn’t able to match the intensity and energy of the Lions.

After a scoreless second inning, a Firebird error started what turned out to be the most devastating inning of the game. Harjo reached base on a throwing error, and the Lions’ next four batters recorded hits, which led to a commanding 7-3 lead.

With the bases loaded, Johnson predicted that Free State senior pitcher Mayah Daniels would throw a curveball to the outside of the zone. Johnson guessed correctly, and blasted a bases-clearing triple over Free State’s outfielders to give Lawrence a 10-3 lead.

“They don’t have leaders on their team and we have a lot of leaders,” Johnson said. “I think that’s what got us to the point of everybody coming out and playing their game.”

Lawrence High pitcher Zoe Brewer winds up for a pitch against Free State in the City Showdown on Monday, May 8, 2017 at FSHS.

Even though Riley was pleased with the eight-run inning, and especially pleased that four of those runs came with two outs, she loved that her team countered every Free State run for the remainder of the game.

With a 14-5 lead in the sixth inning, the Lions pounced on the opportunity to mercy rule the Firebirds when Johnson blasted a double into the outfield to give them a 16-5 lead.

After the game, Ice told his team he wanted them to forget about the lopsided loss and look forward to the next opportunity. That opportunity will come Wednesday, when Lawrence will play host to Free State at 5:30 p.m. for its own Senior Night.

“We have to be ready to play on Wednesday,” Riley said. “I know they’re going to want revenge.”

Lawrence 308 023 — 16 17 0

Free State 301 100 — 5 11 3

W — Zoe Brewer. L — Mayah Daniels.

2B — Kampbell Kilburn, Karly Johnson, Morgan Husman, LHS; Mamie Rupnicki, FS. 3B — Karly Johnson, LHS; Emma Stanwix, FS.

LHS highlights — Johnson, 4-for-5, 5 RBI; Angelina Harjo 3-for-5, 2 RBI; Zoe Brewer 2-for-4, RBI.

FSHS highlights — Lauryn Jones 2-for-2, 2 RBI, walk; Stanwix 1-for-4, 2 RBI; Dacia Starr 2-for-2, 2 walks.