OKLAHOMA CITY – Texas Softball faced a tough start in the 2026 Women’s College World Series, losing 6-3 to Tennessee on Thursday at Devon Park. The No. 3 ranked Texas team now holds a record of 47-12.
In the next challenge, Texas will meet No. 20 Mississippi State at 6 p.m. CT on Friday, May 29, in an elimination game.
Senior second baseman Leighann Goode stood out with a powerful performance, hitting her 12th home run of the season—a two-run shot in the sixth inning. She also reached base twice, drawing a walk earlier in the game. Other contributors included catcher Reese Atwood, right fielder Ashton Maloney, freshman designated player Hannah Wells, and freshman third baseman Jaycie Nichols, each adding one hit.
On the mound, junior pitcher Teagan Kavan started strong but allowed three runs over three innings. She struck out three batters before being replaced by senior Citlaly Gutierrez, who pitched four more innings, giving up three more runs but added two strikeouts.
The game took a turn when Tennessee jumped ahead in the second inning with a three-run home run. They widened their lead to 4-0 after a wild pitch brought another runner home. Texas finally got on the board with a run in the fifth after an errant throw allowed pinch runner Taylor Anderson to score.
Despite a late surge from Texas, with Goode’s home run narrowing the gap to 5-3, Tennessee secured their win with a seventh-inning sacrifice fly.
The outcome marks a significant moment for Texas, as they now face the pressure of an elimination game. As the stakes rise, the team’s resilience will be crucial.
Historically, the Women’s College World Series has seen many teams bounce back after tough losses. For example, in 2019, UCLA lost their opening game but rallied to win the championship. This serves as a reminder that anything can happen in the tournament.
User discussions on social media reflect a mix of disappointment and support for the Texas team, emphasizing their potential to come back strong. Many fans highlight Goode’s performance as a bright spot, showing her value to the team.
For Texas, the focus shifts to Mississippi State—a chance to turn the tide and keep their championship hopes alive.
For more on college softball and its impact, check out the NCAA’s official statistics and records here.
