Clash in the Capital: No. 3 Texas hosts Austin Regional

Syndication: Austin American-Statesman — Texas Longhorns infielder Katie Stewart (20) high fives outfielder Kayden Henry (21) after a score. | Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

No. 1 seed Texas opens against No. 4 seed Eastern Illinois after No. 2 seed Michigan and No. 3 seed Central Florida face off.

As the 2025 NCAA Division I Softball Tournament commences, the Austin Regional at Red & Charline McCombs Field features a compelling mix of talent, tradition, ambition, unique strengths, and aspirations. Hosted by the sixth-seeded Texas Longhorns, the regional features a diverse lineup: the storied Michigan Wolverines, the dynamic UCF Knights, and the determined Eastern Illinois Panthers.

In an exciting opening-round matchup the No. 3 Longhorns are set to face the Panthers in their regional opener after the Wolverines and Knights play the opener.

Texas Longhorns

Under the guidance of head coach Mike White, Texas has demonstrated consistent excellence throughout the season and look to capitalize on their home-field advantage. Their offense is spearheaded by standout performances from their roster, contributing to a formidable batting lineup.

On the mound, pitcher Teagan Kavan has been instrumental, delivering key victories that have solidified Texas’s top seeding, slinging a 2.46 ERA with a 188 strikeouts complemented with a record of 21-4. The Longhorns’ blend of experienced leadership and youthful energy positions them as strong contenders for a deep postseason run.

Texas’s lineup features standout performances from key players like senior utility player Mia Scott swinging with a batting average of .438 and a slugging percentage of .686. Contributing to the impressive season record for the Horns are junior catcher Reese Atwood, who leads the Longhorns with 17 homers with a batting average of .408, graduate infielder Joley Mitchell (.398 BA and 13 HRs) and sophomore infielder Katie Stewart (.362 BA and 13 HRs).

Their offensive prowess and solid pitching staff have been instrumental in securing the No. 6 national seed. The Longhorns’ experience in high-pressure games positions them as formidable opponents as they aim for more leverage in the regional and in the Women’s College World Series.

The standards are high for White and therefore Texas — the 16th-year head coach never failed to advance to a Super Regional in his career and has the Horns on a seven-game winning streak in regionals dating back to 2022, when Texas dropped a game to Washington in Seattle. In the six previous seasons under White, the Longhorns have compiled a 16-3 record in regionals.

Eastern Illinois Panthers

Making their first NCAA tournament appearance in over a decade and with the momentum from conference success, Eastern Illinois enters the regional representing the Ohio Valley Conference with determination and a desire to make a statement as a determined underdog, eager to make an impact.

The Panthers’ season has been marked by resilience and growth, culminating in a strong finish that secured their tournament berth.

The Panthers aim to capitalize on their opportunity, bringing energy and a fearless attitude to the field with junior infielder Kendall Grover boasting a .411 batting average with 10 home runs. The Panthers’ resilience and teamwork have been evident throughout their campaign with the help of freshman outfielder Morgan Hance swinging a .371 batting average and .402 slugging percentage and fifth year utility player Abbey Crain hitting with a .322 batting average and a slugging percentage of .322.

While they face a challenging opponent in Texas, Eastern Illinois aims to leverage their momentum and team cohesion to compete fiercely. Their pitching staff has been crucial with the double barrell McKenzie’s — sophomore right-hander McKenzie Oslanzi and junior right-hander Karlie McKenzie have tossed a 2.40 and 2.52 ERA and dealing 131 and 102 strikeouts.

The Panthers’ timely hitting and command of the plate will be crucial as they face the Longhorns.

Michigan Wolverines

In the NCAA Tournament for the 31st time, the Wolverines have a 90-25 all-time record in regionals with 18 regional titles, but in the six meetings between Michigan and UCF since 2020, the Knights have a 4-2 advantage, including the deciding win over the Wolverines in the 2022 Orlando Regional.=

Michigan’s journey to the tournament has been characterized by a balanced offensive strategy and resilient pitching. Key contributors include: sophomore outfielder Jenissa Conway, who leads the team with 17 home runs, 49 RBIs, and .376 batting average, providing a significant power threat. Senior right-hander Lauren Derkowski anchors the pitching staff with a 2.56 ERA and 160 strikeouts over 180.1 innings, demonstrating durability and effectiveness. The Wolverines’ combination of offensive prowess and pitching depth positions them as formidable contenders in the regional.

UCF Knights

UCF is participating in its fifth consecutive NCAA Tournament and 12th in program history, leaving the state of Florida for a regional for the first time.

“It’s super exciting. A lot of us had guesses where we could possibly go. We were ready if they were going to send us to Tallahassee for the third straight year, so it was exciting to hear our name get called at Texas, especially, after playing them last year. They’re a really good team, so we’re looking forward to going and competing in a really good regional,” said senior right-hander Kaitlyn Felton.

With an RPI of 30, the Knights boast their highest ranking at the end of the regular season since finishing No. 14 three years ago.

UCF brings a dynamic approach to the tournament, emphasizing speed and strategic play. Their aggressive base running and timely hitting have been pivotal throughout the season. Key contributors include sophomore infielder Sierra Humphreys, who leads the Knights with a .357 batting average with a .520 slugging percentage. Redshirt freshman right-hander Isabella Vega has posted 1.35 ERA with a respectable 103 strikeouts.

The Knights’ ability to manufacture runs and apply pressure on defenses makes them a challenging opponent for any team in the Women’s College World Series bracket.

Regional outlook

The Austin Regional promises exciting matchups beyond the Texas-Eastern Illinois opener. Michigan brings a history of tournament experience, while Central Florida adds a dynamic presence to the bracket. Each team presents unique challenges and opportunities, setting the stage for a regional weekend of high-stakes softball.

As the games unfold, fans can anticipate a showcase of talent, strategy, excitement, and the unpredictable nature of tournament play. Whether it’s a powerhouse asserting dominance or an underdog rising to the occasion, the Austin Regional is poised to deliver memorable moments in the journey that shapes the path toward the Women’s College World Series.