In a 5-2 win against Iowa State, the game started as usual: No. 1 Texas softball lined up near home plate, their burnt orange uniforms matching the color of the infield.

But in this game, the burnt orange was joined by hot pink from the uniforms of a local youth softball team.

While “The Eyes of Texas” played over the speakers, sophomore catcher Reese Atwood and freshman infielder Katie Stewart knelt next to the younger players to sing with them.

“I remember being one of those girls,” Stewart said. “Being able to be a role model like how the older girls were for me, I just thought it was a really cool experience.”

Stewart proved she was worthy of the role model title in the game against the Cyclones, going 3-3 with three RBIs and one home run. 

In Stewart’s first at-bat, she put the first hit on the board for Texas, stretching out a double after a hit into the outfield in the bottom of the second inning. 

Although the Longhorns couldn’t capitalize on Stewart’s double, they didn’t have to wait long. In the third inning, junior infielder Mia Scott stepped up to the plate and quickly smashed the ball over the wall for the first run of the game and her fifth home run of the season. 

Like Stewart, Atwood hit the ball into the same spot, left-center field, and made it onto second base at the bottom of the fourth inning.

Then, Stewart stepped up to the plate again. With a huge swing, Stewart hit the ball over the left field wall. As the ball bounced up to hit the apartment complex across the street, Atwood and Stewart came in to score. 

“I think (Stewart’s) soaking it all in and learning how to hit,” head coach Mike White said. “Her power numbers are unbelievable, … but just learning the game a little bit more.”

Despite the lead, the Cyclones put up a good fight, almost coming back to a potential tie-game situation at the top of the sixth inning.

“The coaches said they’re always gonna stay in it, even if the records don’t show it,” Stewart said. “They’re always there to fight and claw back, so just closing the door before they have a chance.”

Previously, Texas’ success lay in the glove of freshman pitcher Teagan Kavan, who had an ERA of 1.90 and threw eight strikeouts throughout six innings. But Kavan was starting to struggle.

With several balls hit into the outfield by Iowa State, the Longhorns found themselves in a tight position: the score was now 5-2 with bases loaded and two outs. 

“It’s scary to have that one swing away with the wind blowing out, we got a tie ballgame,” White said. 

They only needed a strikeout to get them out of the inning. 

And Kavan threw it, finishing the inning with only two points on the board. 

“She was pretty dominant early on and doing a great job,” White said. “She can’t push the help button all the time, … but I liked the way she got that last out, and Mac (Morgan) came in and did a good job as well.”

The Longhorns set a new program single-season record for most conference wins with 18.