The Longhorns look to extend their winning streak Wednesday as they travel to San Marcos to battle the Texas State Bobcats.
After beginning conference play with three straight single-run losses at the hands of Oklahoma State, Texas rebounded with three consecutive non-conference victories.
In order to continue the streak and sustain momentum heading into the weekend matchup versus No. 12 Oklahoma, the Longhorns will have to be on the same page.
“We try to focus on us as much as we can,” head coach Connie Clark said. “You need to focus on what you’re doing. You need to focus on the effort and the grit and the process and the
consistency of that.”
The team has been balanced during the win streak, led by strong pitching and quality defense. In Sunday’s first game of the doubleheader versus Houston, redshirt sophomore Erica Wright threw a one-hitter against the Cougars. The defense led the way in the second game of the day, limiting the Houston offense to a single run.
“(I was) just basically focusing on driving out of my legs and not thinking too much,” Wright said regarding her spectacular performance. “Just focusing on one key thing and doing it and performing.”
Offensively, the contributions are coming from all over the roster. Freshman Taylor Ellsworth has led the team in RBIs during the streak with four, while senior Devon Tunning has led the team in runs scored with four.
The same can be said for the pitching staff, as three different pitchers have recorded victories over the course of the streak.
“There’s not one specific person that’s a complete stand out on the field,” junior captain Randel Leahy said. “I think that’s the great thing about our team is that there are so many of us that contribute in every different way.”
In addition to facing an opportunity to extend the win streak, the Longhorns are also seeking vengeance. In early March, the Bobcats stormed into Austin and left Red and Charline McCombs Field with a 2-1 victory.
The matchup also holds postseason implications, as Texas State is recognized as both a regional opponent and a top-40 RPI program. A victory Wednesday night could affect seeding and qualification for the NCAA Women’s College World Series in June.
“Right now we’re just being gritty and just playing as Texas,” freshman Jade Gortarez said. “I think that’s the biggest thing that we talk about on the daily. Work hard and go out there and represent Texas and who we are.”
