photo by: Sarah Buchanan/Special to the Journal-World

Free State junior pitcher/infielder AJ Collins hits a home run during Free State’s game against Shawnee Mission East on Thursday, April 30, 2026, in Lawrence.

Free State softball went 1-1 in a Sunflower League doubleheader at home on Thursday, defeating Shawnee Mission West 15-0 and then falling 6-2 to Shawnee Mission East in game two of the twinbill.

“You’d like to go 2-0; thankfully, you won a game,” head coach Charley Bowen said. “Second game, you know, it’s kind of been the story of our season so far, just a couple breakdowns here and there, and (it) cost us runs.”

In game one, the Firebirds took advantage of 10 walks, but they did not work any walks in game two. Free State collected seven hits in the nightcap, but Bowen says the offense is still not where it needs to be, especially when facing deficits.

“We’re not swinging the bats good enough right now to score that many runs to come back,” Bowen said.

On a positive note, junior AJ Collins kick-started the offense in the second game with a home run, while throwing 3 2/3 scoreless innings in relief with five strikeouts.

“She got a couple (of) good ones tonight,” Bowen said of Collins, who also hit a double against the Lancers.

Sophomore Jace Feurt got the start in the circle in both games, allowing just one hit in two innings in the opener and earning the win. Feurt also threw two scoreless innings to begin game two before giving up six runs (three earned) in 3 1/3 innings.

“I thought she pitched good in the first game,” Bowen said. “She pitched a great game. (If) We don’t make a couple mental mistakes, it’s 3-1, 3-2 at the end of the game here.”

FREE STATE 15, SHAWNEE MISSION WEST 0

Feurt induced a flyout and popout to begin the game before allowing a two-out single. A lineout to first base hit by the next hitter allowed Feurt to exit the first inning unscathed.

After a flyout to begin the bottom of the first, nine consecutive Firebird hitters were gifted free bases, making the score 6-0. The first hit for the Firebirds came on a two-RBI single by junior Mallary Hice as another run came after a fielder’s choice, and a two-RBI double by Jace Feurt gave Free State an 11-0 lead after the first.

In her second inning of work, Feurt began the frame with a strikeout before inducing back-to-back groundouts to retire the side in order.

Sophomore Maya Friedman kept the Free State offense in rhythm with a one-out triple, ultimately scoring on a wild pitch. Four more free passes were issued as the lead increased to 15-0 after two frames.

Senior Giuliana Velilla replaced Feurt in the circle in the third and issued a leadoff walk before working out of a 3-0 count to get the first out via a strikeout. After another walk, Velilla induced a groundout to second base, and the final out of the run-rule-shortened game came on a play at home with a Viking runner attempting to score on a wild pitch.

The 15-run lead allowed Free State to empty the bench and allow numerous non-starters to take the field.

“They work hard every day in practice,” Bowen said. “When it comes to a situation like that, I’m glad we can get them in. They deserve to be in sometimes, and fortunately, we got the opportunity to put them in.”

SHAWNEE MISSION EAST 6, FREE STATE 2

Free State opened the scoring in the bottom of the second with Collins’ home run off the left-field foul pole. Feurt followed suit with a double before a double play and a flyout ended the inning.

After facing the minimum number of batters (six) through two innings, Feurt faced danger in the third, giving up two singles as a third runner reached on an error with one out. A third single brought in the tying run, and then the Lancers took the lead on a bases-loaded walk and built a two-run lead after a groundout.

Shawnee Mission East starter Campbell Norris retired the side in order in the third, and the Lancers broke the game open with three more runs in the fourth. Collins entered the circle with one out in the inning and kept the score at 6-1 as Free State turned an inning-ending double play.

Following a scoreless fifth inning, the Lancers threatened in the top of the sixth, loading the bases with one out before Collins notched a strikeout and induced an inning-ending lineout.

Junior Sarai Preston helped Free State cut into the deficit, hitting a double before scoring on a single by Avery Sack. The deficit stayed at four, however, as the Firebirds stranded runners at second and third.

The Firebirds have another doubleheader coming up, hosting Wamego (10-4) on Monday. The first game will begin at 4:30 p.m., with the second game to follow.

“We’re hoping we’ll get two (wins),” Bowen said. “We’ve got pitching that we can do it, we just need to get the bats going right now, and make the plays we’re supposed to make.”

photo by: Sarah Buchanan/Special to the Journal-World

Free State junior pitcher/infielder AJ Collins celebrates after hitting a double during Free State’s game against Shawnee Mission East on Thursday, April 30, 2026, in Lawrence.

photo by: Sarah Buchanan/Special to the Journal-World

Free State sophomore pitcher/infielder Jace Feurt pitches against Shawnee Mission East on Thursday, April 30, 2026, in Lawrence.

photo by: Sarah Buchanan/Special to the Journal-World

Free State senior infielder Sophia Halton hits the ball and runs to first base during Free State’s game against Shawnee Mission East on Thursday, April 30, 2026, in Lawrence.

photo by: Sarah Buchanan/Special to the Journal-World

Free State sophomore pitcher/infielder Jace Feurt finishes a throw during Free State’s game against Shawnee Mission East on Thursday, April 30, 2026, in Lawrence.

photo by: Sarah Buchanan/Special to the Journal-World

Free State junior outfielder Giuliana Velilla runs from second to third base during Free State’s game against Shawnee Mission East on Thursday, April 30, 2026, in Lawrence.

photo by: Sarah Buchanan/Special to the Journal-World

Free State sophomore pitcher/infielder Jace Feurt hits the ball during Free State’s game against Shawnee Mission East on Thursday, April 30, 2026, in Lawrence.

photo by: Sarah Buchanan/Special to the Journal-World

Free State junior pitcher/infielder AJ Collins is celebrated by her teammates after hitting a home run for Free State during their game against Shawnee Mission East on Thursday, April 30, 2026, in Lawrence.

photo by: Sarah Buchanan/Special to the Journal-World

Free State junior pitcher/infielder AJ Collins smiles as she scores for Free State in their game against Shawnee Mission East on Thursday, April 30, 2026, in Lawrence.

photo by: Sarah Buchanan/Special to the Journal-World

Free State junior pitcher/infielder AJ Collins runs toward first base after hitting a home run during Free State’s game against Shawnee Mission East on Thursday, April 30, 2026, in Lawrence.

photo by: Sarah Buchanan/Special to the Journal-World

Free State freshman outfielder Avery Sack catches a pop fly during Free State’s matchup against Shawnee Mission East on Thursday, April 30, 2026, in Lawrence.

photo by: Sarah Buchanan/Special to the Journal-World

Free State senior infielder Sophia Halton hits the ball during Free State’s game against Shawnee Mission East on Thursday, April 30, 2026, in Lawrence.