{"id":307510,"date":"2026-05-25T01:54:08","date_gmt":"2026-05-25T01:54:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/307510\/"},"modified":"2026-05-25T01:54:08","modified_gmt":"2026-05-25T01:54:08","slug":"texas-softball-beats-arizona-st-back-in-womens-college-world-series-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/307510\/","title":{"rendered":"Texas softball beats Arizona St., back in Women&#8217;s College World Series"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img alt=\"Texas pitcher\u00a0Teagan Kavan and catcher Reese Atwood celebrate after winning Game 3 of the super regional against\u00a0Arizona State\u00a0on Sunday in Austin.\" loading=\"eager\" fetchpriority=\"high\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas pitcher\u00a0Teagan Kavan and catcher Reese Atwood celebrate after winning Game 3 of the super regional against\u00a0Arizona State\u00a0on Sunday in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"The Texas Longhorns celebrate winning the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The Texas Longhorns celebrate winning the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"The Texas Longhorns celebrate winning the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The Texas Longhorns celebrate winning the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns infielder Katie Stewart (20) holds the ticket to the Women's College World Series after winning the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns infielder Katie Stewart (20) holds the ticket to the Women&#8217;s College World Series after winning the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns catcher Reese Atwood (14) puts on a super regional championship hat after winning the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns catcher Reese Atwood (14) puts on a super regional championship hat after winning the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) celebrates after winning the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) celebrates after winning the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns catcher Reese Atwood (14) holds up the super regional championship trophy after winning the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns catcher Reese Atwood (14) holds up the super regional championship trophy after winning the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns infielder Viviana Martinez (23) holds up the ticket to the Women's College World Series after winning the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns infielder Viviana Martinez (23) holds up the ticket to the Women&#8217;s College World Series after winning the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns catcher Reese Atwood (14) holds the super regional championship trophy after winning the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns catcher Reese Atwood (14) holds the super regional championship trophy after winning the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns catcher Reese Atwood (14), pitcher Teagan Kavan (17), infielder Katie Stewart (20) and infielder Leighann Goode (43) celebrate after winning the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns catcher Reese Atwood (14), pitcher Teagan Kavan (17), infielder Katie Stewart (20) and infielder Leighann Goode (43) celebrate after winning the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns catcher Reese Atwood (14) misses a catch behind home plate during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns catcher Reese Atwood (14) misses a catch behind home plate during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) talks to catcher Reese Atwood (14) during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) talks to catcher Reese Atwood (14) during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns infielder Katie Stewart (20) celebrates a hit for a single during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns infielder Katie Stewart (20) celebrates a hit for a single during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns fans cheer during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns fans cheer during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns infielder Katie Stewart (20) hits a pitch during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns infielder Katie Stewart (20) hits a pitch during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Arizona State head coach Megan Bartlett disputes a call during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Texas at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Arizona State head coach Megan Bartlett disputes a call during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Texas at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns infielder Jaycie Nichols (24) throws the ball to first during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns infielder Jaycie Nichols (24) throws the ball to first during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns infielder Jaycie Nichols (24) hands the ball to pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns infielder Jaycie Nichols (24) hands the ball to pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) throws the ball in the air during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) throws the ball in the air during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Arizona State pitcher Meika Lauppe (27) enters the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Texas at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Arizona State pitcher Meika Lauppe (27) enters the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Texas at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns catcher Reese Atwood (14) celebrates a score by outfielder Kayden Henry (21) during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns catcher Reese Atwood (14) celebrates a score by outfielder Kayden Henry (21) during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns catcher Reese Atwood (14) celebrates a hit for a triple by short stop Viviana Martinez (23) during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns catcher Reese Atwood (14) celebrates a hit for a triple by short stop Viviana Martinez (23) during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns infielder Leighann Goode (43) reacts to an out during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns infielder Leighann Goode (43) reacts to an out during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Arizona State pitcher Kenzie Brown (10) leaves the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Texas at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Arizona State pitcher Kenzie Brown (10) leaves the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Texas at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns short stop Viviana Martinez (23) celebrates a hit for a triple during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns short stop Viviana Martinez (23) celebrates a hit for a triple during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns short stop Viviana Martinez (23) slides to third after a hit during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns short stop Viviana Martinez (23) slides to third after a hit during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns short stop Viviana Martinez (23) rounds third after a hit during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns short stop Viviana Martinez (23) rounds third after a hit during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns short stop Viviana Martinez (23) swings at a pitch during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns short stop Viviana Martinez (23) swings at a pitch during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns outfielder Kayden Henry (21) bunts the ball during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns outfielder Kayden Henry (21) bunts the ball during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns infielder Jaycie Nichols (24) catches the ball for an out during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns infielder Jaycie Nichols (24) catches the ball for an out during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns infielder Leighann Goode (43)celebrates a throw to first for an out during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns infielder Leighann Goode (43)celebrates a throw to first for an out during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns infielder Leighann Goode (43) grabs a ground ball during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns infielder Leighann Goode (43) grabs a ground ball during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns infielder Leighann Goode (43) grabs a ground ball during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns infielder Leighann Goode (43) grabs a ground ball during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns infielder Katie Stewart (20) catches the ball at first during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns infielder Katie Stewart (20) catches the ball at first during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns outfielder Kaiah Altmeyer (44) celebrates a walk during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns outfielder Kaiah Altmeyer (44) celebrates a walk during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns infielder Katie Stewart (20) celebrates a strikeout during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns infielder Katie Stewart (20) celebrates a strikeout during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns infielder Leighann Goode (43) reacts to a missed catch during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns infielder Leighann Goode (43) reacts to a missed catch during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns infielder Leighann Goode (43) misses a catch during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns infielder Leighann Goode (43) misses a catch during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns infielder Leighann Goode (43) misses a catch during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns infielder Leighann Goode (43) misses a catch during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns infielder Jaycie Nichols (24) slides home for a score during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns infielder Jaycie Nichols (24) slides home for a score during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns outfielder Kayden Henry (21) celebrates a catch for an out by Kaiah Altmeyer (44) during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns outfielder Kayden Henry (21) celebrates a catch for an out by Kaiah Altmeyer (44) during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns catcher Reese Atwood (14) celebrates a score by infielder Jaycie Nichols during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns catcher Reese Atwood (14) celebrates a score by infielder Jaycie Nichols during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns infielder Katie Stewart (20) hits a pitch during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns infielder Katie Stewart (20) hits a pitch during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns head coach Mike White talks to his players during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns head coach Mike White talks to his players during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns infielder Jaycie Nichols (24) celebrates a hit for a single during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns infielder Jaycie Nichols (24) celebrates a hit for a single during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns outfielder Ashton Maloney (7) celebrates a hit for a single during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns outfielder Ashton Maloney (7) celebrates a hit for a single during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns short stop Viviana Martinez (23) throws the ball to first during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns short stop Viviana Martinez (23) throws the ball to first during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns outfielder Kaiah Altmeyer (44) catches a fly ball during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns outfielder Kaiah Altmeyer (44) catches a fly ball during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns short stop Viviana Martinez (23) grabs a ball during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns short stop Viviana Martinez (23) grabs a ball during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) throws a pitch during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) throws a pitch during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"The Texas Longhorns hudle in the circle during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The Texas Longhorns hudle in the circle during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns infielder Katie Stewart (20) watches the batter from first during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns infielder Katie Stewart (20) watches the batter from first during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns short stop Viviana Martinez (23) grabs a ball during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns short stop Viviana Martinez (23) grabs a ball during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) steps up to throw a pitch during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) steps up to throw a pitch during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns outfielder Kaiah Altmeyer (44) throws the ball to the infield during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns outfielder Kaiah Altmeyer (44) throws the ball to the infield during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns infielder Leighann Goode (43) celebrates a strikeout during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns infielder Leighann Goode (43) celebrates a strikeout during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) throws a pitch during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) throws a pitch during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns outfielder Kaiah Altmeyer (44) grabs a ball during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns outfielder Kaiah Altmeyer (44) grabs a ball during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns outfielder Kaiah Altmeyer (44) grabs a ball during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns outfielder Kaiah Altmeyer (44) grabs a ball during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) throws a pitch during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) throws a pitch during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"The Texas Longhorns and Arizona State line up for the National Anthem ahead of the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The Texas Longhorns and Arizona State line up for the National Anthem ahead of the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) throws a pitch during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) throws a pitch during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns infielder Katie Stewart (20) talks to pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns infielder Katie Stewart (20) talks to pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) throws a pitch during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) throws a pitch during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red &amp; Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n<p>AUSTIN \u2014 When in doubt, give the ball to your ace.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-channels-pixel.ex.co\/events\/0012000001fxZm9AAE?integrationType=DEFAULT&amp;template=design%2Farticle%2Fplatypus_two_column.tpl\" alt=\"\" class=\"x1px y1px vh abs\" aria-hidden=\"true\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\"\/><\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s the formula <a href=\"https:\/\/www.houstonchronicle.com\/sports\/college\/longhorns\/\" data-link=\"native\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"\">Texas<\/a> head coach Mike White followed, and his star pitcher Teagan Kavan did the rest.<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>After struggling in her first two appearances of the super regional, Kavan returned to her All-America form and threw a five-hit shutout against Arizona State to send the defending national champions back to the Women\u2019s College World Series for the third consecutive year.<\/p>\n<p>The junior right-hander (25-5) had been hit hard by the surging Sun Devils and had been rocked for 11 hits and six runs in just seven innings.<\/p>\n<p>White even said he was deliberating four hours before the game whether to start\u00a0Kavan or go with freshman right-hander Hannah Wells.<\/p>\n<p>Make Dallas News a preferred source so your search results prioritize writing by actual people, not AI.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q=dallasnews.com\" data-link=\"native\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Add Preferred Source\" class=\"td300 cp f aic jcc disabled:cd wsn px24 y40px px16 py8 buttonSm fs13 xs:fs16 xs:buttonLg bg-primaryAccessible hover:o80 c-white disabled:bg-gray300 disabled:c-gray600 border bn tac br2\"><\/p>\n<p>Add Preferred Source<\/p>\n<p><\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou want to know the truth?\u201d White said. \u201cIt was either her or Wells, but I believed in Teagan. She\u2019s the one with the experience and mindset, and she didn\u2019t disappoint.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>The irrepressible Kavan showed her grit as well as her game when she pitched in and out of trouble Sunday and still posted her seventh shutout of the season and 17th of her career in a 5-0 blanking at McCombs Field in the biggest game of the year.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEvery day is a new day, and each performance is its own,\u201d Kavan said. \u201cI just trusted in myself and kept feeding my defense. And I tried to stay in it mentally longer than I did before.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The national No. 2 seed Longhorns (47-11) will face fellow SEC team Tennessee and Volunteers ace Karlyn Pickens and her 80-mph fastball in a first-round game Thursday in Oklahoma City.<\/p>\n<p>The unseeded Sun Devils, who finished in sixth place in the Big 12 before winning the conference tournament, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.houstonchronicle.com\/sports\/college\/aggies\/article\/tamu-softball-eliminated-arizona-state-regional-22263313.php\" data-link=\"native\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"\">sweeping Texas A&amp;M in the College Station Regional<\/a> and upsetting the Longhorns 4-1 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.houstonchronicle.com\/sports\/college\/longhorns\/article\/texas-arizona-state-softball-22271950.php\" data-link=\"native\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"\">in Game 1<\/a>, ended their season at 45-18.<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s a gut punch right now,\u201d said Arizona State head coach Megan Bartlett, a former Longhorn assistant under head coach Mike White. \u201cThey were the better team. We threw everything we possibly could at UT. But they had to take it. We made them take it and they did.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The Longhorns were better but not by a lot.<\/p>\n<p>They capitalized on Kavan\u2019s brilliance and SEC Player of the Year Katie Stewart\u2019s clutch hitting to win their fifth NCAA postseason contest in six games. They were similarly dominant last season, when they went 10-2 in the playoffs en route to the school\u2019s first softball national championship.<\/p>\n<p>Texas made the most of its nine hits with four of its first five hits coming in a pivotal two-run third inning that broke the ice. Stewart was doing Katie Stewart things, driving in four of the Longhorns\u2019 five runs with a pair of two-run singles and hiked her postseason numbers to eight hits in 18 at-ats with nine RBI.<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>Her bloop single fell in against diving\u00a0ASU center fielder Kaylee Pond to score two runs in the third inning after a bunt single by\u00a0Ashton Maloney and a single by Jaycie Nichols, but it could have been much more.<\/p>\n<p>Viviana Martinez singled sharply to right field, and Reese Atwood was hit by a pitch to load the bases, but Leighann Goode grounded into an inning-ending force at third.<\/p>\n<p>Texas put the wraps on its ninth win in its past 10 games when Martinez, in an epic plate appearance, tripled down the right-field line on the marathon 17th pitch of her at-bat. The junior shortstop\u2019s second hit of the game scored Kayden Henry from first for a 3-0 cushion.<\/p>\n<p>ASU senior ace Kenzie Brown, pitching for the third straight day, had just struck out Stewart for her 20th punch-out of the super regional before giving up the rocket to Martinez and leaving the game after 93 pitches on a sultry afternoon.<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>\u201cShe was relentless, to say the least,\u201d Brown said. \u201cA very tough opponent. I\u2019m the queen of high pitch counts. That was a very relentless at-bat. I tip my hat to her. She earned that triple.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>She did, electrifying the crowd of 2,472 and keeping Texas\u2019 momentum.<\/p>\n<p>It was an even more special moment for Martinez because she blew out her knee in a fall practice and missed all of last season, including the Women\u2019s College World Series. White became a bit emotional in discussing her journey.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI hate throwing batting practice to Vivi,\u201d White said. \u201cShe smokes the ball up the middle. Like rockets.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>Stewart got another measure of revenge later when she added her second two-run single in the seventh.<\/p>\n<p>Texas will be joined at the Women\u2019s College World Series by four other SEC teams, including top-seeded Alabama. One team will be missing, and its rare absence is glaring.<\/p>\n<p>Dynastic Oklahoma will not be in Oklahoma City for the first time since 2015 as the eight-time champion Sooners were shut out 6-0 Sunday by upstart Mississippi State, which will make its first WCWS appearance in school history. Patty Gasso\u2019s club had won four straight titles from 2021-24 before the Longhorns ended that streak last June.<\/p>\n<p>OU hadn\u2019t even been shut out since a 2019 WCWS game against Alabama and not shut out in its home ballpark since Baylor run-ruled the Sooners in 2015.<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>Tennessee swept Georgia in its super regional, and Arkansas knocked off Duke to advance to the WCWS. The other three teams will be UCLA, Nebraska and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.houstonchronicle.com\/sports\/college\/article\/texas-tech-college-world-series-again-22274526.php\" data-link=\"native\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"\">Texas Tech<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>So will Texas miss OU being in the field?<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m happy WE\u2019RE in it,\u201d Kavan said.<\/p>\n<p>Interjected White diplomatically to his two players at the dais, \u201cTennessee.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>The Volunteers weren\u2019t on the Longhorns\u2019 regular-season schedule, and the two didn\u2019t meet in the SEC Tournament, where Texas beat Alabama for the title.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis is more a matter of relief than anything else,\u201d White said. \u201cBrown was tough as nails and a real warrior. But Teagan was lights-out.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Kavan was hit hard at times but played sterling defense herself by fielding two hard-hit comebackers, including one in the fourth to leave runners at the corner after Yannixa Acu\u00f1a\u2019s triple into right field and a walk.<\/p>\n<p>On the day, Kavan struck out five, allowed three hits in the first two innings but then didn\u2019t give up a hit after the fourth inning until there were two outs left in the game. In one of the most pivotal moments of the game, Kavan was in trouble the first two innings but stranded four batters, including the bases loaded in the second when she got Tanya Windle on an easy groundout to first.<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>The two teams had split the first two games, ASU winning 4-1 and Texas with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.houstonchronicle.com\/sports\/college\/longhorns\/article\/texas-softball-super-regional-arizona-state-score-22273652.php\" data-link=\"native\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"\">a 4-3 comeback victory Saturday<\/a>, but this was all Texas on Sunday.<\/p>\n<p>And does this make Texas the team to beat in Oklahoma City?<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEvery team is the team to beat,\u201d White said. \u201cAll eight teams. Anybody can win this.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>Except Oklahoma, that is.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Texas pitcher\u00a0Teagan Kavan and catcher Reese Atwood celebrate after winning Game 3 of the super regional against\u00a0Arizona State\u00a0on&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":307456,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[66615,27,29,28],"class_list":["post-307510","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-texas","tag-dallas-sharing","tag-texas","tag-texas-headlines","tag-texas-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/307510","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=307510"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/307510\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/307456"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=307510"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=307510"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=307510"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}