photo by: David Rodish/Journal-World

Lawrence right fielder Payge Cain starts to move toward home plate in a 13-0 loss to Olathe West on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, in Lawrence.

Lawrence softball lost 13-0 against Olathe West on Tuesday after early mistakes defensively created a large deficit.

The Lions allowed five hits — including a home run — with three walks and an error. The Owls scored eight runs before Keira Norris recorded her second strikeout for the third out of the top of the first inning.

“We’re still at a point in our growth that the moment was too big early,” coach Mike Byrn said. “We let some opportunities to get outs turn into a big inning. We really could’ve gotten out of the first inning down 3-0 rather than 8-0.”

The Lions started slow at the plate, with only Zoey Barber getting on base with a walk. She was caught stealing in the next at-bat, and a strikeout later ended the inning.

The Owls added another five runs in the second inning, which started with two walks and three hits. Four of the Owls’ five runs in the inning came within the first five at-bats before an out. The Lions finished strong with three outs within the next three at-bats, though the Owls added a final run on a fielder’s choice.

Lydia Folks was the only Lion to get on base in the second inning with a walk, and they entered the third down 13-0.

The Lions kept fighting and found some success in the third inning. One of the positives from the game for Byrn was the team’s fight through the deficit. The team’s leaders kept everyone’s heads up, and that is one of the most important developments for the team this season.

“Our seniors have been great in the environment they create,” Byrn said. “They didn’t hang their heads — they stayed in there and grinded. I’m hugely excited for that because in years past, we would’ve gone into a shell.”

The defense secured three groundouts in the first four at-bats, with the Owls recording only a single. At the plate, the Lions started with two outs before Harper Dye got the team’s first hit with a single to shallow right field. Barber reached on an error right after, but a groundout with Dye and Barber in scoring position ended the inning before the Lions could bring in a run.

Julia Norris pitched the final two innings and finished with two hits allowed, both in the fourth inning. The Owls didn’t get a run in the final two frames. Kate Neilson got a single at the plate but was the only Lion to reach first base.

The Lions retired the side in the fifth and returned to the plate needing four runs to stay in the game. Addie Foley started the bottom of the fifth by being hit by a pitch, and Dye later recorded her second hit of the game. Two strikeouts ended the game, and the Lions fell to 5-2 on the season.

Dye’s work at the plate was a positive for the Lions. Going 2-for-3 against Brevyn Kellepouris — one of the best pitchers in the state — was good for Dye and the team. Even though the team didn’t get any runs, Byrn was pleased with the team’s presence in the batter’s box, which has been a positive for the team all season.

“We’re not going to see better than that,” Byrn said. “I’m a little disappointed that we didn’t handle the pressure, but that comes with time. I love these kids — they are working hard. We just need to clean it up a bit.”

Lawrence will face Blue Valley West on the road on Wednesday before playing at Free State on Thursday.

photo by: David Rodish/Journal-World

Lawrence left fielder Reese Dannevik makes contact with the ball in a 13-0 loss to Olathe West on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, in Lawrence.

photo by: David Rodish/Journal-World

Lawrence pitcher Keira Norris winds up before her throw in a 13-0 loss to Olathe West on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, in Lawrence.

photo by: David Rodish/Journal-World

Lawrence pitcher Julia Norris throws a pitch in a 13-0 loss to Olathe West on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, in Lawrence.

photo by: David Rodish/Journal-World

Lawrence shortstop Harper Dye hits a ground ball in a 13-0 loss to Olathe West on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, in Lawrence.