No. 1 Texas softball riding its 19-1 hot streak into the start of Big 12 play
The top-ranked Texas softball team wrapped up its nonconference schedule with an 8-1 win over UT-Arlington on Wednesday at McCombs Field, and senior outfielder Bella Dayton was in the middle of the action.
Playing in her 201st career game, Dayton matched her season high with three RBIs and had her second triple of the season. She’s been battling some nagging injuries, but flashed the speed that makes her one of the most dangerous baserunners in the Big 12.
More: How long has it been since Texas' top sports programs have been ranked No. 1 nationally?
“(Dayton) is starting to get back to where she was,” Texas coach Mike White said. “I think she’s got a couple of extra-base hits now over her last few games, which is huge for us with her speed on the bases. She’s a competitor and wants to be out there.”
Now in her final season, Dayton just wants to enjoy the ride as Texas (19-1) makes a push for its first national title.
“I’m just grateful for every opportunity to be able to take the field with my teammates,” she said. “With it being my last season, I’m just trying to leave it all out there for as long as I possibly can, but the days are going by fast. Each moment, I’m just trying to take in and just be grateful for every step I take with the people I’m with.”
Texas, which is No. 1 in both the USA Softball/ESPN and D1Softball national Top 25 polls but No. 2 on the National Fastpitch Coaches Association's Top 25, will travel to Houston for its opening Big 12 series Friday riding a hot streak. The Longhorns have matched a program record for best start to a season through 20 games. The 2012, 2006 and 2003 UT teams also all started their respective seasons 19-1.
Starting pitcher Sophia Simpson proved plenty hot, too. In a season-high three innings of work, the junior struck out eight batters on 43 pitches for her highest strikeout total since a win over Tennessee State on March 3, 2023.
This weekend's series
No. 1 Texas (19-1, 0-0) vs. Houston (16-5, 0-0), Cougar Softball Stadium in Houston, 6 p.m. Friday, noon Saturday, noon Sunday, ESPN+
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: No. 1 Texas softball looks ready for Big 12 after blasting UTA
