Katie Stewart turned a nail-biter into a breakthrough on Sunday, launching a go-ahead three-run homer in the sixth inning that powered Texas to a 3-1 win over Nebraska and into the Women's College World Series semifinals at Devon Park in Oklahoma City. Her swing blew open a tense, low-scoring game and handed pitcher Teagan Kavan a lead she calmly protected over the final three outs.
Stewart's blast rewrites the record book
Stewart's drive soared into the left-field bleachers for her 28th home run of the season, a new single-season program record that eclipsed the mark Reese Atwood set earlier this year, according to the San Antonio Express-News. After back-to-back singles opened the sixth, Stewart stepped in and flipped a 1-0 deficit into a 3-1 Texas lead with one swing.
Frahm's near-no-hitter ends
Up to that moment, Nebraska ace Jordy Frahm had been in full control, carrying a no-hitter into the sixth before Stewart's at-bat and providing the Huskers' only offense with a leadoff home run, per the University of Nebraska Athletics. Texas finally cracked the door with a pair of singles, and Stewart promptly kicked it open with her go-ahead blast.
Kavan closes the door
On the other side, Texas starter Teagan Kavan never blinked. She went the distance and scattered four hits while locking down the Longhorns' comeback, according to the Dallas News. With Kavan staying composed in the circle and the defense making the necessary plays behind her, Texas made the slim two-run advantage stand up the rest of the way.
What's next: Tennessee awaits
With the win, Texas moves into Monday's semifinal window and will need to beat Tennessee twice to return to the national championship series, per the San Antonio Express-News. The Volunteers have already handed Texas a loss earlier in this WCWS, so the defending champs are staring at a must-win, then must-win-again scenario to keep their repeat hopes alive.
Stewart's season in context
Stewart's latest heroics were a fitting capper to a breakout season in which she was named SEC Player of the Year and selected as a top-10 finalist for USA Softball's Collegiate Player of the Year, according to Texas Athletics. Her power has anchored Texas' offense all year, and now it has the Longhorns one step closer to back-to-back national titles.
