The Texas softball team is embracing its underdog status as the Longhorns prepare for Game 2 of the Women’s College World Series finals against Oklahoma. After a tough 8-3 loss in Game 1 Wednesday, Texas is determined to bounce back and keep their championship hopes alive. Oklahoma softball, the three-time national champions, took control of the series opener with three home runs and a stellar pitching performance by Kelly Maxwell.
“Now it’s theirs to lose in some respect,” Texas coach Mike White said about the Sooners, per Dave Wilson of ESPN. “They have to win one of the next two games. I like being in that position, sometimes being the underdog. We’re the top dog for a little bit, so to speak, but were we? They’re three-time national champions. It’s a mind game. Champions reframe. How can we reframe from this loss, what we’re facing right now, come out and have a better game and see if we can play some good softball.”
In Game 1, Maxwell, who transferred from Oklahoma State, struck out eight batters and allowed just one earned run on 119 pitches. Her performance was critical in holding the Longhorns’ bats in check. Oklahoma’s offensive firepower was on display early, with Tiare Jennings hitting her 11th career WCWS homer in the first inning, giving the Sooners an early lead they never let go.
Texas, led by freshman pitcher Teagan Kavan, struggled to find their footing. Kavan, who had been impressive with two one-hit shutouts against Stanford, had a rough start, giving up five earned runs and three homers in just 2⅓ innings.
“We have to come out and control the game a little bit better in the first inning,” White said about Kavan’s performance. “Obviously Teagan was our hot hand. If I hadn’t started her, somebody else giving up the runs, I would say why didn’t I start Teagan? You ride the horse that got you there.”
The Longhorns have shown resilience throughout the season, winning a regular-season series against the Sooners for the first time since 2009 and rallying from behind in other crucial matches. Texas player Joley Mitchell expressed confidence in the team’s ability to shift momentum.
“I think we’ve done a good job of shifting the momentum. We’re a tough team. As long as we stay together, do the job, we’ll be just fine the next two games,” she said.
WCWS history is not on the side of Texas softball
History is not on Texas’ side. Only one team in the past decade, Oklahoma in 2021, has won the national championship after dropping Game 1. The Sooners, who are pursuing an unprecedented fourth consecutive WCWS title, are aware of the challenge ahead. Oklahoma coach Patty Gasso remains focused and tempered, recognizing the strengths of the Texas team.
“We know there’s still a lot of work to do against a very, very good team that has very good pitchers, very good hitters,” Gasso said.
For Maxwell, the series represents her final shot at a national title.
“This is my last opportunity. I’m just going to do everything I can to keep this team in it,” she said.
As the two teams prepare for Game 2, the Sooners could clinch their eighth overall championship. Despite their dominant performance in Game 1, they remain cautious and focused on the task ahead. Oklahoma catcher Kinzie Hansen emphasized the competitiveness of their rival.
“I know that Texas, they’re not no softies. They’re not going to roll over,” she said.
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