AUSTIN, Texas – The Texas Longhorns faced a tough challenge last night. In their NCAA Austin Super Regional opener, they fell to Arizona State 4-1. This loss at McCombs Field ended Texas’s seven-game winning streak, now leaving their record at 45-11.
Starting pitcher Teagan Kavan had a solid game. In her 30th start this season, she pitched five innings, striking out five batters while allowing three earned runs on eight hits. Kavan began the game strong, throwing 15 consecutive strikes to get her team off on the right foot. Citlaly Gutierrez followed her, delivering two hitless innings in relief, retiring six of the seven batters she faced.
Arizona State took the lead in the third inning with a clutch two-out single for a 1-0 advantage. However, Texas quickly responded. In the fourth inning, freshman Hannah Wells hit a solo home run, tying the game at 1-1. This was her 15th home run of the season, breaking the freshman record previously held by Katie Stewart.
Despite the momentum, the fifth inning was tough for Texas. Arizona State scored three runs, regaining control of the game. They took a 3-1 lead with a two-run single and then added another run with a double.
Four Longhorns contributed to the offense. Alongside Wells, Kayden Henry, Viviana Martinez, and Ashton Maloney all added base hits.
Quick Stats:
- Kavan’s streak of 15 straight strikes was impressive.
- Wells has now homered in three of her last six games.
- Henry enjoys a hitting streak of nine games.
- Texas has homered in nine consecutive games.
- Historically, Texas has a record of 15-12 in NCAA Super Regional games.
The rematch against Arizona State is set for tonight at 7 p.m. CT. Fans can catch the action live on ESPN.
This game highlights the fierce competitive nature of college softball. As teams battle for a spot in the World Series, every game matters. With Texas’s strong history in the tournament, they’re sure to come back fighting.
