The No. 10-ranked Texas softball team won both games of a double header with New Mexico on Saturday, propelled by a no-hitter from junior pitcher Ariana Adams in the first contest.
Adams threw the 51st no-hitter in Texas softball history en route a 12-0 win for the Longhorns. The junior recorded four strikeouts and allowed only one walk in five innings of work before the game was ended due to run-rule.
Despite the historic day, Adams deflected all credit to the Longhorns’ defense behind her.
“It feels amazing. It feels really great. I couldn’t have done it without my teammates today,” Adams said. “I only had four strikeouts, so my defense was rolling with it and (made) some great plays behind me.”
Adams’ physical tools on the mound translated to a dominant performance, head coach Mike White said.
“We’ve always known (Adams) has the tools and the ability to make people guess at her (pitches) and to struggle (to hit),” White said. “She really used the locations well. I just thought she did an awesome job, and I’m just so proud of her and happy for her.”
Texas easily disposed of the Lobos on Saturday despite fielding a novice roster chock-full of reserves.
White said the roster decisions were made to rest the Texas starters for important matches later down the line, but he still expressed satisfaction with his backup players’ performances.
The break given to the Longhorns’ starters was especially important considering the imminence of conference play, but White said several players proved their worth on Saturday.
“It’s good to get a lot of different players out there showing us what they can do,” White said. “We’ve got options, and that’s what you want as a coach.”
But beyond the historic performances and convincing victories, Saturday’s games held a deeper, emotional significance for one Longhorn in particular.
Today, SEC softball teams banded together to honor the legacy of late Mississippi State player Alex Wilcox, who passed away in 2018 from ovarian cancer. On Saturday, SEC teams dyed their fields teal to raise awareness for the disease and to honor Wilcox.
Junior infielder Mary Katherine Tedder, known affectionately by her teammates as MK, was close friends with Wilcox. Tedder finished her second game with a perfect four hits on four at-bats and an RBI to boot.
“It was really special for MK,” White said. “For her to come out and go 4-for-4 on this day, it was a special moment and something she’ll never forget.”
