The Longhorns have survived elimination from the Women's College World Series, for now, and it was yet another masterclass performance by Texas starting pitcher Teagan Kavan.
Throwing all seven innings in the Horns' game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs, Kavan didn't rack up dozens of strikeouts, but her diverse arsenal left the Dawgs swinging at air on most occasions.
“I think it’s just her mindset that she’s going in to attack them right now," Texas head coach Mike White said of Kavan. "She’s carrying the team on her shoulders.”
Kavan wasn't the only Longhorn on the field when she was pitching, and the Texas defense backed up their star pitcher perfectly, with gravity-defying snags by infielders like LeighAnn Goode and perfectly tracked fly balls by outfielders like Kaiah Altmeyer.
When all was said and done, Texas secured the 4-0 victory to stay alive behind Kavan's two strikeouts and a white-hot offense for the Horns.
Also read: Teagan Kavan set herself apart from the rest of college softball in the Super Regional
With the shutout victory in her pocket, Kavan not only secured her third of the season but also tied Longhorn Legend Cat Osterman for the most shutout pitching performances at the Women's College World Series in program history.
"It's really an honor to be next to her and wear the same jersey as her," Kavan said about tying Osterman's record.
Longhorns wins but doesn't advance in Women's College World Series
While the win was exactly what Texas needed, it doesn't necessarily mean that the Horns are in the clear this week. With a 1-1 record at this year's WCWS, the Longhorns still risk elimination in their next game or two.
Up next, Texas will face the loser of Texas Tech versus Tennessee, who will play on Saturday, May 30. Whether the Horns are playing the Red Raiders or the Vols, there will be one team out for revenge.
Obviously, after losing to the Tennessee Volunteers on Thursday, Texas will look to rectify the wrong in the rematch.
However, if the Horns play the Texas Tech Red Raiders, they will be the target of revenge, with Texas defeating the Red Raiders in the finals of last year's WCWS to claim the Longhorns' first-ever National Championship.
Texas will face Tennessee or Texas Tech on Sunday, May 31, in yet another postseason elimination game for the Horns. No matter the opponent, the game is scheduled for 2 p.m. CT on Sunday and will be aired on ABC.
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