No. 3 Texas softball often finds itself relying offensively on big-name players like senior catcher Reese Atwood and Katie Stewart, a junior catcher and infielder. However, after five scoreless innings on Saturday against No. 24 South Carolina, a lesser-known section of the lineup was responsible for generating the Longhorns’ momentum.
When Gamecock senior catcher Lexi Winters misthrew senior first baseman Arianna Rodi in the sixth inning of their matchup against Texas on Saturday, she might not have known just how significant the repercussions would be. But allowing Longhorn junior outfielder Kayden Henry to use her speed to advance to second base off a bunt isn’t a position any team wants to be in.
Senior infielder Leighann Goode stepped up to the plate after Henry, doubling down the right field line to bring her teammate home. The score read 1-0 Texas, and the top of this lineup proved just how much they’re capable of when the game depends on it.
“With (Goode, Henry and shortstop Viviana Martinez) hitting in the one, two, three, I think it helps ease me and Katie’s anxiety going up to plate because we already have runners in scoring position most of the time,” Atwood said in a media availability earlier this week. “I know that they’re going to have my back and everyone else through the lineup. I don’t have to be perfect because there’s so many people in our lineup that can do the job.”
Stewart affirmed this ease, specifically emphasizing the role that Goode plays offensively.
“She’s not worried about hitting home runs,” Stewart said. “If they’re going to come, they’re going to come — she’s more going for average. I just see her going off right now. She’s really hot at the moment, and so she’s just sticking to her approach.”
The hot streak continued for Goode against the Gamecocks, and her ability to loosen up South Carolina’s defense set the stage for freshman pitcher Hannah Wells to bring home junior pinch runner Adayah Wallace and sophomore pinch runner Taylor Anderson home in the top of the seventh inning.
With a final score of 3-0, the Longhorns used these offensive plays and a strong defensive performance to earn their second win of this series against the Gamecocks.
Both Texas and South Carolina relied on experienced pitchers for the second game of this series, with senior pitchers Citlaly Gutierrez and Jori Heard suiting up for each respective team.
Gutierrez allowed just four hits on Saturday afternoon, finishing the matchup with no errors or runs given up. A few weeks ago, head coach Mike White revealed more about his confidence level in the senior this season.
“We started Citlaly Gutierrez in the game against Boise State, and she threw a complete game shutout, which was awesome,” White said. “We’ve been a little hesitant to start her in some games, but I think she’s showing that she wants the ball a little bit more and has given us a lot of confidence.”
Kavan entered in the final inning to close the game out, and now, the Longhorns prepare for their third and final game in Columbia, South Carolina. Set for Sunday at 11 a.m., Texas has the opportunity to complete an undefeated series to open Southeastern Conference play.