The Texas Longhorns are now a single victory from going back-to-back as national champions after a 7-3 win over Texas Tech in Game 1 of the Women's College World Series championship series at Devon Park in Oklahoma City on Wednesday. Behind a milestone blast from Katie Stewart and a workhorse outing from Teagan Kavan, Texas jumped on the Red Raiders early with a five-run first inning and never let go of control. The best-of-three showdown moves to Game 2 on Thursday night with the Longhorns holding the edge.
Stewart Sets WCWS Record, Kavan Handles All Seven
Katie Stewart went deep for the fourth straight game, setting a Women's College World Series record, while Teagan Kavan fired a complete game in the opener, according to the Houston Chronicle. Stewart, who has turned the WCWS into her personal launch pad, said after the early surge, "We knew there was still a lot of game left."
Kavan needed 115 pitches to close it out and collected her 10th career WCWS win, per the Houston Chronicle. She added that she would be ready to take the ball again if coach Mike White wants her back in the circle.
First-Inning Fireworks Put Texas In Charge
Texas Tech actually landed the first punch. Mihiya Davis tagged Kavan for a home run in the top of the first to give the Red Raiders a brief lead, according to the Houston Chronicle. That edge vanished almost instantly.
In the bottom half, Kayden Henry dropped a bunt single to spark a five-run eruption. Stewart followed with a shot to center for a two-run homer, then Kaiah Altmeyer drove in Reese Atwood with an infield single. Ashton Maloney capped the inning by drilling a two-run triple that stretched the margin to 5-1, per the Houston Chronicle.
Texas tacked on insurance in the fourth and sixth innings, while Texas Tech stayed within striking distance thanks to a two-run homer from Mia Williams in the fifth that trimmed the deficit, as reported by the Houston Chronicle.
Red Raiders Still A Threat To Flip The Script
Despite the loss, this Texas Tech group is not exactly the type to quietly exit stage left. The Red Raiders entered the finals with a 5-0 record in elimination games during their postseason run and still feature plenty of pop throughout the order, according to Texas Tech Athletics. If the series stretches to a third game, NiJaree Canady is expected to be a key piece of Tech's plan.
Coach Gerry Glasco credited his team's grit after dropping the opener, per Texas Tech Athletics, and Texas will now weigh its pitching choices with a quick turnaround before Game 2.
Devon Park Still Softball's Main Stage
The championship series is being played at OGE Energy Field at Devon Park, the long-time WCWS home that has received recent upgrades to help showcase the national tournament, according to USA Softball. The complex sits next to the National Softball Hall of Fame and regularly pulls in big crowds that give the event its signature pageantry.
Game 2 is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday at Devon Park, with a deciding Game 3 on Friday if needed. Both contests are set for ESPN, per Texas Tech Athletics. Texas can lock up its title defense Thursday night, while Texas Tech will be playing to push this all-Texas showdown to a winner-take-all finale.
