Texas Softball Dominates Doubleheader at DeMarini Invitational
STANFORD, Calif. - The No. 3 Texas Longhorns Softball team showcased their prowess by sweeping a ranked doubleheader against No.
16 Arizona and No. 10 Stanford at the DeMarini Invitational.
With these victories, Texas improved to an impressive 11-1 record, adding two top-10 wins to their season tally.
Kavan's Command on the Mound
Junior right-hander Teagan Kavan was the star of the day, securing both wins with a commanding presence on the mound. Across 11 innings, Kavan struck out 14 batters, allowing just one earned run on six hits. Her ability to navigate around five walks and limit opposing hitters to a .146 average was key to Texas' success.
Offensive Firepower
The Longhorns' offense was firing on all cylinders, racking up 16 runs on 17 hits, with six going for extra bases. Junior Katie Stewart was a standout, driving in six runs with two home runs, while senior Ashton Maloney led the team in hits, going 5-for-7.
Game 1: Texas vs. Arizona
In the opener against Arizona, Kavan was untouchable, tossing a three-hit, 10-strikeout gem in a 12-2 victory. The Wildcats struggled to find an answer for her, as she retired 10 consecutive batters at one point.
Katie Stewart's three-run homer was a highlight, and contributions from Kaydee Bennett and MaTaia Lawson helped seal the deal. Ashton Maloney and Leighann Goode also provided key hits, ensuring a comprehensive team effort.
Key Moments:
- Top 1: Texas jumped to a 2-0 lead with bases-loaded plays by Viviana Martinez and Kaiah Altmeyer.
- Top 3: Lawson's two-RBI triple extended the lead.
- Top 4: Stewart's three-run homer further widened the gap.
- Top 7: Bennett's two-RBI double capped the scoring spree.
Game 2: Texas vs. Stanford
In a tighter contest against Stanford, Texas emerged victorious with a 4-3 win. Sophomore Cambria Salmon started strong, with Kavan closing out the game effectively. Stewart once again powered the offense with another three-run homer, her seventh of the season.
Despite a late rally by Stanford, Kavan's poise under pressure ensured the Longhorns held on for the win.
Key Moments:
- Top 1: Altmeyer's sacrifice fly got Texas on the board.
- Top 3: Stewart's second three-run homer of the day provided a crucial cushion.
- Bottom 7: Stanford's late push fell short as Kavan forced a fly out to end the game.
Coach and Player Insights
Head Coach Mike White praised the team's resilience and highlighted Kavan's stellar performance. Katie Stewart and Teagan Kavan both expressed pride in their team's grit and determination, emphasizing the collective effort in securing the wins.
Looking Ahead
With two strong victories under their belt, the Longhorns are poised for continued success as they navigate the rest of the season. Fans can expect more thrilling performances from this talented squad.