photo by: Chris Duderstadt

Free State freshman Tatum Clopton delivers a pitch during the Firebirds' 12-0 win over Shawnee Mission North on Thursday at FSHS. Clopton struck out 10 over five innings, and held the Indians to one hit.

Free State freshman Tatum Clopton has no intentions of backing down from any challenges that arise during her first season with the Firebird softball team.

The Free State ace found her groove early — recording eight of her 10 strikeouts in the first three innings of the Firebirds’ 12-0 win over Shawnee Mission North on Thursday at FSHS. Clopton limited SM North to one single and one walk over five innings, and struck out 10 for the second straight outing.

“Just attacking early is what we try to do. Once we get up (in the count), then we get to have some of the other pitches,” Clopton said of working off her rise ball. “I have a very great defense behind me, so I can trust them no matter what pitch I throw. I have people behind my back who will get the outs for me.”

Clopton also chipped in on the Firebirds’ 16-hit attack with a double, two singles and an RBI. Freshmen Sara Roszak and Georgia Rea, sophomore Haley Lockwood-Peterson and juniors Lauryn Jones and Emma Stanwix all had multi-hit games.

“I don’t think we struck out at all today. In two games, I think we’ve only struck out three times so we’re making good contact,” Free State coach Lee Ice said. “We’ve scored 20 runs now in two games. Our offense has been a little bit of a surprise, but I hope we can keep that part going.”

The freshman trio of Rea, Roszak and Clopton set the table for Stanwix and Jones to do some damage out of the No. 4 and 5 spots in the lineups. Clopton said that a lot of the credit for her start goes to seniors Emma Pravecek, Grace Patchen, Samantha Powell and Caroline Patton for making her feel comfortable at the high school level.

“They have been so amazing. Our seniors this year are incredible,” Clopton said. “They have helped us with adjusting to the Free State softball environment. We know if we don’t get on that they have our backs because they’re such great kids and such great athletes. They’re just super supportive and it’s great.”

Clopton is carrying on the family tradition of being a standout softball athlete. The Free State freshman is the daughter of former Kansas softball standout pitcher Sarah (Workman) Clopton, who ranks first in appearances and second in strikeouts in KU history. Her father, Aaron Clopton, has several ties to the KU softball program as a former manager, graduate assistant and assistant coach.

“Softball has always been a part of my life. It’s the thing that I love most,” Tatum said. “I don’t know where I’d be without softball. It’s taught me so much just as a person and about the game. My mom and my dad both were involved with KU softball, so it’s a big deal for our family.”

Tatum’s biggest goal for her freshman season is to be playing on KU’s field with the Class 6A state tournament being held at Arrocha Ballpark.

“I’m excited for the season. It’s going to be a great year,” Tatum said. “I think we all feel it. State is going to state this year.”

Free State is full of confidence after its victories over defending state champion Olathe Northwest on Tuesday and SM North on Tuesday, but Ice was quick to acknowledge that Firebirds had their struggles last year against their next opponent. The Firebirds (2-0) will play keep rolling at 2 p.m. Saturday when they play host to Maize South.

“Maize South will be one that got us twice last year, so that will be a good test for us going into Olathe South — who believe probably has the best team in the Sunflower League,” Ice said.

SM North 000 00 — 0 1 2

Free State 065 1X — 12 16 0

W — Tatum Clopton. L — Hannah Redick.

2B — Tatum Clopton, Lauryn Jones, Burks, Sara Roszak, Emma Stanwix, FS. 3B — Georgia Rea, FS.

Free State highlights — Tatum Clopton 5.0 IP, H, 10 K, BB, 3 for 3, RBI; Sara Roszak 2 for 3, 3 RBI, 2 runs; Georgia Rea 2 for 2, 2 RBI, 2 runs; Emma Stanwix 2 for 3, RBI; Lauryn Jones 2 for 3, 2 RBI, run; Haley Lockwood-Peterson 2 for 2, 2 runs; Taylor Burks 1 for 2, RBI, run; Annie Roszak 1 for 2, RBI, run.