Walking off Red & Charline McCombs Field on Sunday afternoon, Texas cheered and embraced with triumph as the team left Iowa State with a 7-2 defeat, advancing to 6–0 in Big 12 Conference play.  

After two nail-biter games Friday and Saturday, the Longhorns ended the weekend with ease, concluding the 3–0 shutout. 

“The fight was unbelievable, I mean that’s as good as it gets,” head coach Mike White said. “We’ve fought before, but it’s great to come back, and we never gave in. We had different heroes each day.”  

To keep spirits high Sunday, Texas hosted “Bark in the Park,” where fans could register their dogs to enter the ballpark and enjoy the game, along with the chance to be featured on the jumbotron. The audience packed the stands with energy and encouragement along with the wagging tails of their canine companions. 

Senior second baseman Janae Jefferson, freshman third baseman Mia Scott and senior first baseman Mary Iakopo became the dream team for the weekend, giving Texas ample opportunity to load the bases. Iakopo led the way with a home run, an RBI and three walks. 

Scott followed with three RBIs, a walk and added another stolen base to her season total. Currently, Scott leads the team with 15 stolen bases on the season.     

Jefferson continued to excel at the plate, batting an average of .398 against Iowa State. Over the last 20 games, Jefferson increased her overall batting average from .311 to .400. 

“I’m just happy that I’m going out and trying to leave everything out here,” Jefferson said. “Just not having any regrets when I finish my last year here.” 

The All-American athlete currently sits at the top of the list for the most hits and doubles on the team for the 2022 season.

“She’s so consistent,” White said. “When the game is on the line, who do you want up? Janae Jefferson.” 

Despite sophomore pitcher Estelle Czech’s recent struggle to keep her focus, as seen with her 9.55 ERA last weekend against Kansas, she managed only two allowed runs across five innings pitched, five strikeouts and an ERA of 2.80 against the Cyclones. Senior pitcher Hailey Dolcini swooped in with two strikeouts and allowed only one hit and no runs over the two innings she pitched.     

Texas will take a pause from conference play Wednesday to play the University of Texas at Arlington as the team prepares to take on No. 1-ranked Oklahoma next weekend.

“It’s really at the point where we have to play our best ball,” White said. “I think we just have to remember that we’re never out of the game. No matter who we’re playing, we just have to keep fighting.”