Texas Softball Opens 2026 Season with Fireworks, Outslugs No. 9 Nebraska in 15-10 Victory
SAN ANTONIO - If Texas Softball wanted to make a statement to open the 2026 season, consider it delivered - loud and clear. The No. 1-ranked Longhorns exploded for 16 hits and eight extra-base knocks to outlast No. 9 Nebraska, 15-10, in a high-octane opener at Roadrunner Field on Friday night.
It was the second-highest scoring season-opening win in program history, trailing only a 2007 shootout against UCLA. But perhaps more impressive?
Texas is now 30-0 all-time in season openers, with five of those wins coming against ranked opponents. This one had a little bit of everything - power, clutch hitting, and a gutsy bullpen effort to close the door.
Bats Blazing from the Jump
From the first pitch, it was clear the Longhorns came ready to rake. Eight different players recorded at least one hit, and three left the yard.
Junior shortstop Viviana Martinez, back in action after missing 2025, wasted no time making her presence felt. She drove in four runs on a 2-for-3 night, including a two-run double in the seventh and a sacrifice fly earlier in the game.
Center fielder Kayden Henry was everywhere. She matched her career high with two doubles, went 3-for-5, drove in three, scored four times, and even swiped a bag. It was a complete performance from the junior, who looked every bit like a tone-setter at the top of the lineup.
Katie Stewart, the Longhorns’ rock at first base, joined the home run parade with a solo shot in the fourth as part of her three-hit night. And then there’s Reese Atwood - the senior catcher and offensive force - who launched a two-run homer in the seventh to bring her career total to 56, just two shy of tying the program record held by Taylor Hoagland. Atwood finished with two hits and three RBI, continuing her climb into Longhorns lore.
San Antonio native Leighann Goode gave the hometown fans something to cheer about early, launching a two-run homer in the second. And in her Texas debut, senior transfer Kaiah Altmeyer made a strong first impression with a 2-for-4 performance that included an RBI double. Freshman MaTaia Lawson also chipped in with a hit and scored twice in her collegiate debut.
A Rollercoaster in the Circle
Texas didn’t cruise through this one - Nebraska kept things interesting, especially in the middle innings. Junior right-hander Teagan Kavan got the start and worked 3.1 innings, giving up five earned runs on seven hits while striking out three. After surrendering a solo homer in the first, she settled in to retire five of the next six batters she faced before running into trouble in the fourth.
That’s when senior Citlaly Gutierrez stepped in. The righty took over in the fourth and steadied the ship, tossing 3.1 innings of relief and allowing three runs on four hits. She struck out two and earned her first win of the season - a solid outing in a game that demanded every ounce of depth from the bullpen.
But the final act belonged to freshman Hannah Wells. With the bases loaded and two outs in the bottom of the seventh, Wells was handed the ball in her collegiate debut.
No pressure, right? The rookie rose to the moment, striking out Nebraska leadoff hitter Hannah Coor to lock down the save and seal the win.
How It Unfolded - A Scoring Summary
- Bottom 1: Nebraska struck first with a solo shot from Jesse Farrell.
- Top 2: Leighann Goode answered with a two-run homer to give Texas the lead.
- Top 3: Kayden Henry doubled in a run, then scored on a sac fly from Viviana Martinez to make it 4-1.
- Bottom 3: Nebraska chipped back with an RBI single from Jordyn Frahm.
- Top 4: Stewart’s solo homer, a wild pitch, a two-run double from Henry, and an RBI single from Martinez blew the game open at 9-2.
- Bottom 4: Nebraska refused to fold, plating five to close the gap to 9-7.
- Top 6: Atwood’s RBI single gave Texas a bit of breathing room at 10-7.
- Top 7: Texas poured it on late - Altmeyer doubled in Goode, Martinez added a two-run double, and Atwood capped it with a two-run homer to stretch the lead to 15-7.
- Bottom 7: Nebraska made one final push, scoring three runs before Wells slammed the door with a punchout.
Rivalry Renewed
This was the first meeting between Texas and Nebraska since 2012 - a matchup that used to be a regular feature during their shared Big 12 days. With Friday’s win, the Longhorns now hold a 21-18 edge in the all-time series, including a 7-3 mark at neutral sites.
What’s Next
Texas is right back at it on Saturday with a doubleheader at Roadrunner Field. First up is a clash with No.
25 Washington at 1:05 p.m. CT, followed by a rematch with No.
9 Nebraska at 3:35 p.m. Both games will stream live on ESPN+.
If Friday night was any indication, buckle up. This Texas team isn’t just aiming to win - they’re aiming to do it with style, swagger, and a whole lot of runs.