News Summary
The Texas softball team secured a crucial 7-5 victory over Clemson in Game 2 of the Austin Super Regional, leading to a decisive Game 3. Teagan Kavan’s outstanding relief pitching and key offensive plays helped the Longhorns prevail in an intense 10-inning matchup. This win marked Texas’s consecutive 50-win seasons, demonstrating their resilience in the face of pressure. With Game 3 on the horizon, the Longhorns continue their quest for a spot in the Women’s College World Series.
Austin, Texas – Texas Softball Advances to Game Three of the Super Regional After Dramatic 7-5 Extra-Innings Victory Over Clemson
The Texas softball team, seeded sixth, achieved a vital 7-5 win against eleventh-seeded Clemson in Game 2 of the Austin Super Regional on Friday night. The thrilling game took place at Red & Charline Field and lasted for 10 innings, taking a total of 3 hours and 38 minutes to complete. This victory has set the stage for a decisive Game 3, scheduled for 8 PM CT on Saturday.
In the high-stakes matchup, Texas head coach Mike White turned to ace pitcher Teagan Kavan to relieve, with the go-ahead run on second base and one out in the fifth inning. Kavan, boasting a season record of 24-5, delivered a stellar performance by pitching 5 ⅔ scoreless innings, striking out seven batters, and allowing just five hits. Her remarkable effort included retiring the first five batters she faced after entering in relief.
Kavan proved to be instrumental in escaping a challenging situation in the bottom of the eighth when Clemson had runners on second and third with no outs. In a pivotal play during the top of the 10th inning, Texas scored two runs to take the lead. A sacrifice fly by Kaydee Bennett scored Katie Stewart, and Ashton Maloney’s infield single brought Leighann Goode home, establishing a crucial advantage for the Longhorns.
The defense of Texas was equally important, highlighted by Katie Stewart‘s defensive play in the seventh inning, where she successfully threw out Clemson’s Julia Knowler trying to extend a hit into a double. The game concluded with a fielder’s choice play at third base, securing the victory against two Clemson baserunners in the bottom of the 10th inning.
Following the win, Texas improved to a record of 50-11, marking the first time in program history that the Longhorns have achieved consecutive 50-win seasons. This performance was vital for Texas, which had lost the opening game of the series with a score of 7-4 on Thursday night, prompting the necessity of a win to keep their season alive.
Clemson entered the series as a formidable opponent, having won 20 of their last 22 games leading up to the Super Regional. However, Texas remained resilient, showcasing their strength in high-pressure situations. Notably, the Longhorns have not allowed a run in extra innings this season, maintaining a perfect 5-0 record in such games.
Teagan Kavan’s performance was recognized earlier as she was honored as a Second Team All-American by Softball America, demonstrating her high level of skill and competitiveness. Following the game, Kavan emphasized the importance of relying on her defense and staying focused in tense moments.
With this victory, Texas continues to pursue their hopes of returning to the Women’s College World Series. The upcoming Game 3 promises to be another thrilling encounter as both teams compete for a place in the next round of the tournament.
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Additional Resources
- Houston Chronicle
- Wikipedia: Texas Longhorns Softball
- Sports Illustrated
- Google Search: Texas Softball Super Regional
- USA Today
- Google Scholar: Texas Softball 7-5 Win Clemson
- Austin American-Statesman
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas Longhorns Softball
- On3
- Google News: Teagan Kavan Texas Softball
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