Texas Softball Caps Bevo Classic with Dominant Doubleheader Sweep
AUSTIN, Texas - The No. 2-ranked Texas Longhorns wrapped up a statement weekend at the Bevo Classic with a doubleheader sweep on Sunday, taking down Ohio State 7-4 and Northern Illinois 9-1 (6 innings) at McCombs Field. Texas went a perfect 5-0 over the weekend, improving to 9-1 on the season and flexing its muscle with four run-rule wins in five games - a clear message that this team is not just loaded, but locked in.
Let’s break down how it all went down on Sunday.
Game 1: Texas 7, Ohio State 4
This one was a rematch from earlier in the weekend, and Texas once again got the better of the Buckeyes - but it didn’t come without a few late-inning nerves.
Sophomore right-hander Cambria Salmon got the start and was in control early. She tossed 5.1 innings, giving up just two runs on four hits while striking out four.
For the first four innings, she was nearly untouchable, keeping Ohio State off the board entirely. A solo home run in the fifth broke up the shutout, but Salmon had already set the tone.
After a brief exit in the sixth, Salmon returned in the seventh to close the door - and she did just that, inducing a game-ending groundout with the bases loaded to seal the win.
Freshman Hannah Wells came on in relief and was sharp, working 1.2 hitless innings with three strikeouts. She showed poise beyond her years, especially in the sixth when she retired three straight to escape a jam.
Offensively, Texas wasted no time. Senior catcher Reese Atwood got things rolling with a two-run single in the first inning.
Freshman Alisa Sneed added to the early surge - first by getting plunked with the bases loaded to bring in a run, then later with an RBI single in the fifth. Sneed continues to look like a freshman who’s ready for the big stage.
Hannah Wells, who’s quickly building a reputation as a power threat, launched her third home run of the season in the fourth inning. All three of her collegiate hits have left the yard - talk about efficiency.
Kaiah Altmeyer chipped in with an RBI single in the first, and Viviana Martinez added a run-scoring groundout in the fifth. Texas built a 7-1 lead before a couple of late miscues allowed Ohio State to make it interesting, but the Longhorns held firm.
Scoring Summary - Game 1:
- B1: Atwood's two-RBI single opens the scoring.
- B1: Sneed hit by pitch with the bases loaded, 3-0.
- B1: Altmeyer RBI single, 4-0 Texas.
- B4: Wells solo homer makes it 5-0.
- T5: Ohio State solo homer, 5-1.
- B5: Martinez RBI groundout, 6-1.
- B5: Sneed RBI single, 7-1.
- T6: Buckeyes add another solo shot, 7-2.
- T7: Two more Ohio State runs score on a throwing error, 7-4 final.
Game 2: Texas 9, Northern Illinois 1 (6 innings)
The nightcap was all about dominance - and junior right-hander Teagan Kavan was the driving force. Kavan turned in a six-inning clinic, striking out a season-high 12 batters without issuing a single walk. It was her second complete-game shutout of the season, and she made it look effortless.
The Huskies managed just five hits and never really threatened. Kavan retired the first five batters she faced and cruised through three 1-2-3 innings. When she’s locked in like this, Texas becomes nearly unbeatable.
And then there was the subplot: freshman Katie Stewart stepping into the box against her older sister Danielle, who started in the circle for Northern Illinois. It was a family moment - and a competitive one - that ended with Katie launching a two-run homer to right center. That blast gave Texas a 3-0 lead in the first and set the tone for what turned into another run-rule victory.
Freshman MaTaia Lawson had herself a breakout game. She went 2-for-4 with three RBI, including her first career home run in the sixth inning. Lawson also drove in two more runs in the fourth with a sharp single to right.
Jaycie Nichols joined the home run party with a solo shot of her own in the fifth - the first of her career. Altmeyer stayed hot at the plate, going 2-for-2 with an RBI and a walk, marking her third multi-hit game of the year.
Reese Atwood added a sacrifice fly in the first, and senior Kaydee Bennett delivered the walk-off RBI single in the sixth to cap the win.
Scoring Summary - Game 2:
- B1: Atwood sac fly plates Maloney, 1-0.
- B1: Katie Stewart two-run homer, 3-0.
- B3: Altmeyer RBI single, 4-0.
- B4: Lawson RBI single scores two, 6-0.
- B5: Nichols solo home run, 7-0.
- T6: Northern Illinois scores on a fielding error, 7-1.
- B6: Lawson solo homer, 8-1.
- B6: Bennett RBI single ends it, 9-1 (run-rule).
Weekend Takeaways
Texas didn’t just win games this weekend - they made a statement. With five wins, three against top-25 opponents, and four of those by run-rule, the Longhorns are showing early signs of being a serious national contender.
The pitching staff looks deep and dangerous. Salmon and Kavan were both in control, and the emergence of Hannah Wells adds another layer to the rotation. Offensively, the lineup is deep, experienced, and getting contributions from all classes - from veterans like Atwood and Altmeyer to freshmen like Sneed, Lawson, and Nichols.
And let’s not forget Katie Stewart, who’s quickly becoming one of the most consistent power threats in the country.
The Longhorns are 5-0 at home to start the year and clicking in every phase of the game. If this weekend was any indication, Texas isn’t just winning - they’re imposing their will.