After missing all of last season with a knee injury, shortstop Vivi Martinez paces a power-packed offense that bangs out 15 hits and four home runs in win over Nebraska.
Top-ranked Texas softball banged out 16 hits while opening the season with a 15-10 win over No. 9 Nebraska Friday at the UTSA Invitational in San Antonio.
In her first game back after missing last season with a knee injury, junior shortstop Viviana Martinez powered Texas (1-0) with four RBIs after going 2-for-3 at the plate, including a double and sacrifice fly. Junior center fielder Kayden Henry matched her career high in doubles with two while putting together a 3-for-5 performance at the plate with three RBIs, four runs scored and a stolen base. Junior first baseman Katie Stewart also had three hits, including a solo home run in the fourth inning.
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Senior catcher Reese Atwood hit her 56th career home run and is now just two shy of tying Taylor Hoagland’s program record of 58. Senior second baseman and San Antonio native Leighann Goode also sent one out of the park in the second inning to erase an early 1-0 lead by Nebraska (1-1). The Cornhuskers would never again take the lead.
The Longhorns needed all that offense. Nebraska chased junior pitcher Teagan Kavan from the game in the fourth inning after the Texas ace gave up five earned runs on seven hits. Senior pitcher Citlaly Gutierrez (1-0) picked up her first win of the season, allowing three runs on four hits with two strikeouts in 3 1/3 innings. Freshman Hannah Wells made her collegiate debut in the bottom of the seventh and secured the save.
Texas, the reigning national champion, will play a doubleheader Saturday at Roadrunner Field, beginning with a 1:05 p.m. first pitch against No. 25 Washington. Texas will then face No. 9 Nebraska again at 3:35 p.m. Both games will be available to stream on ESPN+.
Category: General Sports
