The Texas Longhorns celebrate their 9-8 win over Texas A&M in game one of the Lone Star Showdown series at McCombs Field in Austin, Friday, March 27, 2026.
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Texas Longhorns infielder Viviana Martinez (23) slides home, scoring the game-winning run, as Texas and Texas A&M face off in game one of the Lone Star Showdown series at McCombs Field in Austin, Friday, March 27, 2026. The Longhorns won game one of the series 9-8.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns outfielder Kayden Henry (21) retrieves a hit as Texas and Texas A&M face off in game one of the Lone Star Showdown series at McCombs Field in Austin, Friday, March 27, 2026. The Longhorns won game one of the series 9-8.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns utility Kaiah Altmeyer (44) catches a hit as Texas and Texas A&M face off in game one of the Lone Star Showdown series at McCombs Field in Austin, Friday, March 27, 2026. The Longhorns won game one of the series 9-8.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns utility Katie Stewart (20) motions to throw to second base as Texas A&M Aggies catcher Madison Sauni (92) passes first base as Texas and Texas A&M face off in game one of the Lone Star Showdown series at McCombs Field in Austin, Friday, March 27, 2026. The Longhorns won game one of the series 9-8.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas A&M Aggies starting pitcher Sidne Peters (2) pitches as Texas and Texas A&M face off in game one of the Lone Star Showdown series at McCombs Field in Austin, Friday, March 27, 2026. The Longhorns won game one of the series 9-8.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas A&M Aggies outfielder Paislie Allen (11) throws infield as Texas and Texas A&M face off in game one of the Lone Star Showdown series at McCombs Field in Austin, Friday, March 27, 2026. The Longhorns won game one of the series 9-8.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns outfielder Kayden Henry (21) dives and catches a hit as Texas and Texas A&M face off in game one of the Lone Star Showdown series at McCombs Field in Austin, Friday, March 27, 2026. The Longhorns won game one of the series 9-8.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns infielder Viviana Martinez (23) hits a home run as Texas and Texas A&M face off in game one of the Lone Star Showdown series at McCombs Field in Austin, Friday, March 27, 2026. The Longhorns won game one of the series 9-8.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns infielder Viviana Martinez (23) watches the ball soar as she hits a home run as Texas and Texas A&M face off in game one of the Lone Star Showdown series at McCombs Field in Austin, Friday, March 27, 2026. The Longhorns won game one of the series 9-8.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
The Longhorns celebrate a home run from Texas Longhorns infielder Viviana Martinez (23) as Texas and Texas A&M face off in game one of the Lone Star Showdown series at McCombs Field in Austin, Friday, March 27, 2026. The Longhorns won game one of the series 9-8.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns starting pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) pitches as Texas and Texas A&M face off in game one of the Lone Star Showdown series at McCombs Field in Austin, Friday, March 27, 2026. The Longhorns won game one of the series 9-8.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns outfielder Kayden Henry (21) throws infield as Texas and Texas A&M face off in game one of the Lone Star Showdown series at McCombs Field in Austin, Friday, March 27, 2026. The Longhorns won game one of the series 9-8.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas A&M Aggies infielder Frankie Vrazel (8) bats as Texas and Texas A&M face off in game one of the Lone Star Showdown series at McCombs Field in Austin, Friday, March 27, 2026. The Longhorns won game one of the series 9-8.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas A&M Aggies infielder Kennedy Powell (1) runs to first base as Texas and Texas A&M face off in game one of the Lone Star Showdown series at McCombs Field in Austin, Friday, March 27, 2026. The Longhorns won game one of the series 9-8.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns utility Katie Stewart (20) bats as Texas and Texas A&M face off in game one of the Lone Star Showdown series at McCombs Field in Austin, Friday, March 27, 2026. The Longhorns won game one of the series 9-8.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas A&M Aggies infielder Kk Dement (16) looks to pass the ball as Texas and Texas A&M face off in game one of the Lone Star Showdown series at McCombs Field in Austin, Friday, March 27, 2026. The Longhorns won game one of the series 9-8.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas A&M Aggies infielder Kk Dement (16) passes the ball as Texas and Texas A&M face off in game one of the Lone Star Showdown series at McCombs Field in Austin, Friday, March 27, 2026. The Longhorns won game one of the series 9-8.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas A&M Aggies infielder Micaela Wark (14) tags out Texas Longhorns utility Katie Stewart (20) at first base as Texas and Texas A&M face off in game one of the Lone Star Showdown series at McCombs Field in Austin, Friday, March 27, 2026. The Longhorns won game one of the series 9-8.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas A&M Aggies catcher Ariel Kowalewski (47) looks to pass as Texas and Texas A&M face off in game one of the Lone Star Showdown series at McCombs Field in Austin, Friday, March 27, 2026. The Longhorns won game one of the series 9-8.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns starting pitcher/relief pitcher Hannah Wells (13) hits the ball as Texas and Texas A&M face off in game one of the Lone Star Showdown series at McCombs Field in Austin, Friday, March 27, 2026. The Longhorns won game one of the series 9-8.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas A&M Aggies infielder Frankie Vrazel (8) runs to first base as Texas and Texas A&M face off in game one of the Lone Star Showdown series at McCombs Field in Austin, Friday, March 27, 2026. The Longhorns won game one of the series 9-8.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns utility Taylor Anderson (27) reacts to scoring a run as Texas and Texas A&M face off in game one of the Lone Star Showdown series at McCombs Field in Austin, Friday, March 27, 2026. The Longhorns won game one of the series 9-8.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns infielder Mataia Lawson (3) celebrates Texas Longhorns utility Taylor Anderson (27) scoring a run as Texas and Texas A&M face off in game one of the Lone Star Showdown series at McCombs Field in Austin, Friday, March 27, 2026. The Longhorns won game one of the series 9-8.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns utility Leighann Goode (43) throws to first base as Texas and Texas A&M face off in game one of the Lone Star Showdown series at McCombs Field in Austin, Friday, March 27, 2026. The Longhorns won game one of the series 9-8.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas A&M Aggies infielder Micaela Wark (14) bats as Texas and Texas A&M face off in game one of the Lone Star Showdown series at McCombs Field in Austin, Friday, March 27, 2026. The Longhorns won game one of the series 9-8.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns utility Leighann Goode (43) prepares for the next play as Texas and Texas A&M face off in game one of the Lone Star Showdown series at McCombs Field in Austin, Friday, March 27, 2026. The Longhorns won game one of the series 9-8.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas A&M Aggies outfielder Kelsey Mathis (99) catches a fly ball as Texas and Texas A&M face off in game one of the Lone Star Showdown series at McCombs Field in Austin, Friday, March 27, 2026. The Longhorns won game one of the series 9-8.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas A&M Aggies infielder Tallen Edwards (44) reacts to a play as Texas and Texas A&M face off in game one of the Lone Star Showdown series at McCombs Field in Austin, Friday, March 27, 2026. The Longhorns won game one of the series 9-8.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas fans cheer as Texas and Texas A&M face off in game one of the Lone Star Showdown series at McCombs Field in Austin, Friday, March 27, 2026. The Longhorns won game one of the series 9-8.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns infielder Viviana Martinez (23) slides into second base as Texas and Texas A&M face off in game one of the Lone Star Showdown series at McCombs Field in Austin, Friday, March 27, 2026. The Longhorns won game one of the series 9-8.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas A&M Aggies infielder Kk Dement (16) bats as Texas and Texas A&M face off in game one of the Lone Star Showdown series at McCombs Field in Austin, Friday, March 27, 2026. The Longhorns won game one of the series 9-8.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas A&M Aggies infielder Paislie Allen (11) attempts to bunt the ball as Texas and Texas A&M face off in game one of the Lone Star Showdown series at McCombs Field in Austin, Friday, March 27, 2026. The Longhorns won game one of the series 9-8.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas A&M Aggies catcher Madison Sauni (92) bats at the ball as Texas and Texas A&M face off in game one of the Lone Star Showdown series at McCombs Field in Austin, Friday, March 27, 2026. The Longhorns won game one of the series 9-8.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Aggies react to a play as Texas and Texas A&M face off in game one of the Lone Star Showdown series at McCombs Field in Austin, Friday, March 27, 2026. The Longhorns won game one of the series 9-8.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns relief pitches Victoria Hunter (12) pitches as Texas and Texas A&M face off in game one of the Lone Star Showdown series at McCombs Field in Austin, Friday, March 27, 2026. The Longhorns won game one of the series 9-8.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas A&M Aggies infielder Kennedy Powell (1) bats at the ball as Texas and Texas A&M face off in game one of the Lone Star Showdown series at McCombs Field in Austin, Friday, March 27, 2026. The Longhorns won game one of the series 9-8.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns outfielder Ashton Maloney (7) and Texas Longhorns utility Kaiah Altmeyer (44) celebrate a play as Texas and Texas A&M face off in game one of the Lone Star Showdown series at McCombs Field in Austin, Friday, March 27, 2026. The Longhorns won game one of the series 9-8.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas A&M Aggies infielder Kennedy Powell (1) takes to the field during the seventh inning as Texas and Texas A&M face off in game one of the Lone Star Showdown series at McCombs Field in Austin, Friday, March 27, 2026. The Longhorns won game one of the series 9-8.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas A&M Aggies infielder Kk Dement (16) takes to the field during the seventh inning as Texas and Texas A&M face off in game one of the Lone Star Showdown series at McCombs Field in Austin, Friday, March 27, 2026. The Longhorns won game one of the series 9-8.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas A&M Aggies infielder Mya Perez (24) bats as Texas and Texas A&M face off in game one of the Lone Star Showdown series at McCombs Field in Austin, Friday, March 27, 2026. The Longhorns won game one of the series 9-8.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas A&M Aggies infielder Kennedy Powell (1) bats as Texas and Texas A&M face off in game one of the Lone Star Showdown series at McCombs Field in Austin, Friday, March 27, 2026. The Longhorns won game one of the series 9-8.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas A&M Aggies infielder Paislie Allen (11) throws infield after catching a fly ball as Texas and Texas A&M face off in game one of the Lone Star Showdown series at McCombs Field in Austin, Friday, March 27, 2026. The Longhorns won game one of the series 9-8.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas A&M Aggies relief pitcher Grace Sparks (32) pitches as Texas and Texas A&M face off in game one of the Lone Star Showdown series at McCombs Field in Austin, Friday, March 27, 2026. The Longhorns won game one of the series 9-8.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns utility Kaydee Bennett (5) smiles at second base as Texas and Texas A&M face off in game one of the Lone Star Showdown series at McCombs Field in Austin, Friday, March 27, 2026. The Longhorns won game one of the series 9-8.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns infielder Viviana Martinez (23) reacts to a play as Texas and Texas A&M face off in game one of the Lone Star Showdown series at McCombs Field in Austin, Friday, March 27, 2026. The Longhorns won game one of the series 9-8.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
as Texas and Texas A&M face off in game one of the Lone Star Showdown series at McCombs Field in Austin, Friday, March 27, 2026. The Longhorns won game one of the series 9-8.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
It was a back-and-forth opener for the Lone Star Showdown at McCombs Field but No. 1 Texas softball pulled off the 9-8 win Friday over No. 16Â Texas A&M.
Shortstop Viviana Martinez led the way with four hits, four RBIs and two home runs. Freshman designated player Hannah Wells walked it off again for the Longhorns, to extend their winning streak to 28 games. The nearly three hour game featured four ties, five lead changes and a combined 14 strikeouts and 23 hits.
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Teagan Kavan started for Texas and was tagged early with back-to-back singles in the first inning and an RBI single from Michaela Wark gave A&M an early 1-0 lead.Â
MORE: Back healthy, shortstop Viviana Martinez happy to again be helping UT
MORE: Aggies relying on newfound pitching depth in 2026
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But Texas showed its fight in the bottom of the first against A&M’s Sydney Lessentine and took the lead on home runs from Kayden Henry and Martinez. A&M’s shortstop KK Dement responded with an 11-pitch at-bat against Kavan to get on base and came home on a Kennedy Powell single to tie it at two in the second.
The runs kept coming for A&M.
Dement doubled into shallow right-center to bring home Tallen Edwards to retake the lead in the third. Paislie Allen followed with a two-run homer past the right field wall to extend A&M’s lead 5-2 and chase Kavan out of the inning.
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The Texas fight continued with RBI singles and doubles to tie it at five. The tie was short lived after Wark blasted a two-run homer in the fourth. Texas cut into the Aggies lead on a Maloney RBI single but the deficit returned to two after a Mya Perez RBI single.Â
With Martinez at the plate again, she sent a solo shot to centerfield and Wells followed it with an RBI single to tie the game.
The bats for both teams did a lot of the talking, but the top of the sixth was where the pitchers commanded the zone. Kavan returned and struck out three straight, while Sidnee Peters came in for relief and struck out two of the three Longhorns she faced.Â
Kavan continued to close out the game for Texas and threw three strikeouts to stop any A&M momentum after a Maddie Sauni single. With the Longhorns bats still hot, Martinez opened the bottom of the seventh with a double and A&M walked two straight to load the bases to bring Wells whose single sealed the win for Texas.Â
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The Longhorns and Aggies face off for Game Two at 1 p.m. Saturday at McCombs Field.Â
Follow along as both teams face off at McCombs Field.Â
Martinez leads it off with a double to left. Peters walks Atwood and hits Stewart to load the bases. Peters is retired for Grace Sparks. Wells RBI single walks it off to end the game
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A&M had some life after Kavan retired two, but Powell struck out swinging, leaving a batter on.Â
With some help from the Aggies defense, Peters retires three straight batters and boasts two straight strikeouts.Â
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Kavan returns to the circle and retires three straight Aggies.Â
Munnerlyn is relieved by Sidnee Peters to open the inning. Martinez blasts a solo shot to centerfield to get Texas within one and Stewart gets on base with an infield single, and her pinch runner ties the game at eight on a Wells single.Â
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Allen led off the inning with a single and stayed on the bases as Gutierrez retired two straight Aggies. But Perez sends her home on a single to extend the lead, 8-6. Henry makes a diving catch to end the inning.Â
Maloney sends an RBI single to left field to make it 7-6. A&M’s defense helped end the inning.Â
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Powell leads off with a double but Perez strikesout and Kowalewski grounds out at first. But Wark smashes a ball to left field for the Aggies to retake the lead, 7-5. Mathis hopes to keep some momentum going after a double to left but Dement pops it up to end the inning.Â
After a Maloney double and a Henry walk, Goode closes the gap with an RBI single. With runners on the corners, Martinez whacks a two-run, RBI double to tie it at five. Ford retires Lessentine for Kate Munnerlyn. The sophomore left-hander struck out Stewart and pitched a ball that Vrazel caught in center field to end the inning.
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Dement’s double gets lost in the sun for Henry to make a diving catch and is enough to bring home Edwards. Allen follows it up with a two-run homer to make it 5-2 and chase Kavan out of the game for Gutierrez.
Lessentine strikes out three straight Texas batters. Kowalewski bobbles the foul tip to help the righty get the strikeout.Â
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Dement leads off the inning with a double after an 11-pitch at-bat. Allen’s sacrifice bunt moves Dement to second for the first out and the sophomore ties it on a Powell RBI single that makes it way past Gutierrez. Texas’ outfield gets them out of a jam with Altmeyer catching an Aggies fly ball.Â