Texas fight on full display as Longhorns overthrow top-ranked Sooners in historic victory

The largest crowd in McCombs Field history gathered in Austin on Saturday to celebrate the career of Longhorn legend, Cat Osterman, as the University of Texas retired the three-time olympic champion’s jersey number on her 39th birthday. In turn, those in attendance had a front row seat as No. 18 Texas conquered No. 1 Oklahoma in an improbable win on an already extraordinary day. With the 4-2 victory, Texas terminated a 23-game skid against their rival dating back to 2014. The Longhorns also snapped Oklahoma’s 40-game win streak (third-best in NCAA history) as they dealt the Sooners their first loss in an astounding 312 days.

The esteemed skippers of both programs returned to their game one starters, calling upon Texas senior Hailey Dolcini and Oklahoma freshman Jordy Bahl to battle one another again in the series finale. Exhilaration was abundant in the pitching duel between the two hurlers known for their armside dealings and clever craftsmanship. Hailey Dolcini emerged triumphant after her picturesque performance on Cat Osterman Day notched a second complete game for Dolcini in the series.

The senior held Oklahoma scoreless through the first six innings of the competition until a two-run shot put Oklahoma on the scoreboard in the game’s final frame. While Dolcini would perhaps take a mulligan on that pitch, few could have drawn up a more fitting ending to the tantalizing series. Dolcini overwhelmed Oklahoma, holding the Sooners to a season-low two hits throughout her seven innings in the circle. She issued three strikeouts while collecting two earned runs on 100 total pitches, 70 of which were strikes.

When asked what is so impressive about his ace, Coach Mike White noted Dolcini’s poise in an atmosphere polluted with intense emotions and crippling pressure. “I’m just really impressed with her today,” added White. His tone rejected any generalization in the otherwise  mundane sentiment and replaced it with the pride of a mentor whose wildest dreams for the fifth-year transfer from Fresno State were unfolding before his eyes. 

Tears of joy and a sprinkle of relief adorned the Fortuna High School alumna’s face during her postgame interview. Dolcini credited the establishment of her screwball as a critical element of her dominant performance. It’s worth repeating that Dolcini faced the nation’s best offense not once, but twice in a mere 72-hours. Throughout the second game, Cat Osterman praised Dolcini from the Longhorn Network booth, noting Dolcini’s hallmark skill that few athletes possess – the ability to self-reflect, identify opportunities for growth, and implement adjustments in just one day’s time. 

Dolcini posted an impeccable line on the series: 14 IP, 220 P, 5 H, 4 ER, 1 BB, and 7 K.

On Saturday, the play of the Longhorns as a whole improved drastically over their earlier performances in the series. The Texas defense was perfect in game three, earning no errors in  stark contrast to their two previous outings.The Horns’ offense delighted as they utilized small-ball and advantageous situations to wear down Oklahoma’s Jordy Bahl. The Texas lineup worked a season-high 128 pitches and 8 hits from Bahl, who has been utterly dominant for the previously undefeated Sooners.

Texas finally bested Bahl after Courtney Day opened the bottom of the fifth inning with a leadoff double before Lou Gilbert entered to pinch run for Day. Catcher Mary Iakopo gave Texas their first lead of the series with a perfectly placed, one-out blooper to left-field. The senior took advantage of the deep Oklahoma outfield and remained even through a rise ball to score Gilbert from second.

With the 1-0 advantage in the bottom of the sixth, the Longhorns looked to add insurance runs against the potent Sooners whose lineup is known for putting up crooked numbers in any frame. Alyssa Washington trotted to first on a rare leadoff walk from Jordy Bahl. With two-outs and Washington’s speed on second base, Lou Gilbert singled, leaving a rattled Bahl to deal with Longhorns on the corners. 

Senior standout Janae Jefferson stepped to the plate to face Bahl. While complimenting Jefferson’s softball acumen and total performance, honoree Cat Osterman remarked she hopes to be back at McCombs field as a spectator for Jefferson’s jersey retirement ceremony. Before Osterman could finish her sentence, Jefferson dealt a crushing blow to Oklahoma’s freshman arm as she worked a walk on a 3-0 count to load the bases. With the bases loaded and the prospect of a Texas victory brewing, Mia Scott walloped a bases-clearing double to put the Horns in front, 4-0. 

The air at McCombs Field stood still as Hailey Dolcini returned to the mound to fend off the Sooners for three more outs. While Oklahoma would earn two-runs off a home run from Kinzie Hansen, Dolcini conquered consecutive Sooners to seal the momentous victory for Texas, 4-2.

The implications of the historic victory remain to be seen for both Texas and Oklahoma. While Oklahoma is likely to face future opponents for a vengeance, Texas fans anticipate this victory will light a fire under the Longhorns. With the eyes of the nation upon them, Coach Mike White and his Longhorns redefined themselves in a matter of mere hours, issuing a resounding warning to pundits and opponents alike: if you take on Texas, you’re bound to get hooked.