NCAA softball: Tiare Jennings, Oklahoma beat Texas in Game 1 of WCWS finals
The former St. Anthony High standout hits a two-run homer in the first inning and adds an RBI single to spark the second-seeded Sooners to an 8-3 victory that leaves them one win from a record fourth straight national title. Game 2 is Thursday night.
Oklahoma players celebrate with Tiare Jennings (23) at home plate after she hit a two-run home run during the first inning of Game 1 of the Women’s College World Series championship series against Texas on Wednesday night in Oklahoma City. Jennings (St. Anthony High) added an RBI single later in the game. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
Oklahoma pitcher Kelly Maxwell throws to the plate during the sixth inning of Game 1 of the Women’s College World Series finals against Texas on Wednesday night in Oklahoma City. Oklahoma won 8-3. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
Texas’ Teagan Kavan (17) pitches against Oklahoma during the first inning of Game 1 of the NCAA Women’s College World Series softball championship series Wednesday, June 5, 2024, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
Oklahoma’s Ella Parker bats against Texas during the first inning of Game 1 of the NCAA Women’s College World Series softball championship series Wednesday, June 5, 2024, in Oklahoma City. Parker double on the at-bat. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
Texas’ Teagan Kavan (17) pitches against Oklahoma during the second inning of Game 1 of the NCAA Women’s College World Series softball championship series Wednesday, June 5, 2024, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
Oklahoma’s Tiare Jennings watches her home run against Texas during the first inning of Game 1 of the NCAA Women’s College World Series softball championship series Wednesday, June 5, 2024, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
Oklahoma’s Tiare Jennings smiles as she runs the bases after hitting a two-run home run during the first inning of Game 1 of the Women’s College World Series finals against Texas on Wednesday night in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
Oklahoma’s Tiare Jennings (23) smiles after hitting a home run against Texas during the first inning of Game 1 of the NCAA Women’s College World Series softball championship series Wednesday, June 5, 2024, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
Oklahoma players wait for Tiare Jennings (23) at home plate after she hit a home run against against Texas during the first inning of Game 1 of the NCAA Women’s College World Series softball championship series Wednesday, June 5, 2024, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
Oklahoma players wait to celebrate with Tiare Jennings (23) at home plate after she hit a two-run home run during the first inning of Game 1 of the Women’s College World Series championship series against Texas on Wednesday night in Oklahoma City. Jennings (St. Anthony High) added an RBI single later in the game. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
Oklahoma players celebrate with Tiare Jennings (23) at home plate after she hit a two-run home run during the first inning of Game 1 of the Women’s College World Series championship series against Texas on Wednesday night in Oklahoma City. Jennings (St. Anthony High) added an RBI single later in the game. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
Texas second baseman Alyssa Washington throws to first to complete a double play as Oklahoma’s Rylie Boone slides into second base to end the top of the third inning of Game 1 of the Women’s College World Series finals on Wednesday night in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
Oklahoma’s Kelly Maxwell pitches against Texas during the second inning of Game 1 of the NCAA Women’s College World Series softball championship series Wednesday, June 5, 2024, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
Oklahoma pitcher Kelly Maxwell throws to the plate during the first inning of Game 1 of the Women’s College World Series finals against Texas on Wednesday night in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
Texas pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) throws against Oklahoma during the first inning of Game 1 of the NCAA Women’s College World Series softball championship series Wednesday, June 5, 2024, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
Oklahoma’s Kinzie Hansen celebrates as she runs the bases after hitting a two-run home run during the third inning of Game 1 of the Women’s College World Series finals against Texas on Wednesday night in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
Oklahoma’s Kinzie Hansen (9) is greeted by teammates at home plate after she hit a two-run home run during the third inning of Game 1 of the Women’s College World Series finals against Texas on Wednesday night in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
Oklahoma’s Kinzie Hansen (9) is greeted at home plate after she hit a two-run home run during the third inning of Game 1 of the Women’s College World Series finals against Texas on Wednesday night in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
Oklahoma’s Kasidi Pickering hits a solo home run during the third inning of Game 1 of the Women’s College World Series finals against Texas on Wednesday night in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
Oklahoma’s Kasidi Pickering follows through on a solo home run during the third inning of Game 1 of the Women’s College World Series finals against Texas on Wednesday night in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
Oklahoma’s Kasidi Pickering celebrates as she runs the bases after hitting a solo home run during the third inning of Game 1 of the Women’s College World Series finals against Texas on Wednesday night in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
Oklahoma’s Kasidi Pickering celebrates as she runs the bases after hitting a solo home run during the third inning of Game 1 of the Women’s College World Series finals against Texas on Wednesday night in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
Texas pitcher Teagan Kavan hands the ball to head coach Mike White as she is replaced during the third inning of Game 1 of the Women’s College World Series finals against Oklahoma on Wednesday night in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
Texas pitcher Mac Morgan throws to an Oklahoma batter during the fourth inning of Game 1 of the NCAA Women’s College World Series softball championship series Wednesday, June 5, 2024, in Oklahoma City. Oklahoma won 8-3. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
Oklahoma’s Kinzie Hansen (9) hits a double against Texas during the fifth inning of Game 1 of the NCAA Women’s College World Series softball championship series Wednesday, June 5, 2024, in Oklahoma City. Oklahoma won 8-3. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
Oklahoma’s Tiare Jennings hits an RBI single during the sixth inning of Game 1 of the Women’s College World Series finals against Texas on Wednesday night in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
Oklahoma’s Tiare Jennings celebrates after hitting an RBI single during the sixth inning of Game 1 of the Women’s College World Series finals against Texas on Wednesday night in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
Oklahoma infielder Avery Hodge throws to first base for an out against Texas during the sixth inning of Game 1 of the NCAA Women’s College World Series softball championship series Wednesday, June 5, 2024, in Oklahoma City. Oklahoma won 8-3. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
Texas’ Alyssa Washington (11) slides at home to score against Oklahoma catcher Kinzie Hansen during the sixth inning of Game 1 of the NCAA Women’s College World Series softball championship series Wednesday, June 5, 2024, in Oklahoma City. Oklahoma won 8-3. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
Texas’ Alyssa Washington slides safely across home plate as Oklahoma catcher Kinzie Hansen turns to make a late tag during the sixth inning of Game 1 of the Women’s College World Series finals on Wednesday night in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
Texas’ Viviana Martinez (23) slides safely into third base as Oklahoma utility Alyssa Brito (33) calls off a throw during the sixth inning of Game 1 of the NCAA Women’s College World Series softball championship series Wednesday, June 5, 2024, in Oklahoma City. Oklahoma won 8-3. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
Texas coach Mike White, right, talks to Joley Mitchell during the sixth inning of Game 1 of the team’s NCAA Women’s College World Series softball championship series against Oklahoma on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, in Oklahoma City. Oklahoma won 8-3. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
Oklahoma pitcher Kelly Maxwell throws to a Texas batter during Game 1 of the NCAA Women’s College World Series softball championship series Wednesday, June 5, 2024, in Oklahoma City. Oklahoma won 8-3. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
Oklahoma infielder Avery Hodge (82) forces out Texas’ Katie Stewart (20) during the sixth inning of Game 1 of the NCAA Women’s College World Series softball championship series Wednesday, June 5, 2024, in Oklahoma City. Oklahoma won 8-3. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
Oklahoma’s Alyssa Brito (33) hits a double against Texas during the seventh inning of Game 1 of the NCAA Women’s College World Series softball championship series Wednesday, June 5, 2024, in Oklahoma City. Oklahoma won 8-3. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
Oklahoma’s Alyssa Brito celebrates a double against Texas during the seventh inning of Game 1 of the NCAA Women’s College World Series softball championship series Wednesday, June 5, 2024, in Oklahoma City. Oklahoma won 8-3. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
Oklahoma’s Alyssa Brito (33) celebrates after a double against Texas during the seventh inning of Game 1 of the NCAA Women’s College World Series softball championship series Wednesday, June 5, 2024, in Oklahoma City. Oklahoma won 8-3. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
Oklahoma’s Alyssa Brito (33) celebrates a double against Texas during the seventh inning of Game 1 of the NCAA Women’s College World Series softball championship series Wednesday, June 5, 2024, in Oklahoma City. At left is Texas’ Viviana Martinez. Oklahoma won 8-3. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
Oklahoma’s Alyssa Brito (33) celebrates on the way to scoring against Texas during the seventh inning of Game 1 of the NCAA Women’s College World Series softball championship series Wednesday, June 5, 2024, in Oklahoma City. Oklahoma won 8-3. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
Oklahoma’s Alyssa Brito celebrates after scoring on a throwing error during the seventh inning of Game 1 of the Women’s College World Series finals against Texas on Wednesday night in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
Oklahoma’s Alyssa Brito (33) is greeted by a teammate after scoring against Texas during the seventh inning of Game 1 of the NCAA Women’s College World Series softball championship series Wednesday, June 5, 2024, in Oklahoma City. Oklahoma won 8-3. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
Oklahoma pitcher Kelly Maxwell works against a Texas batter during Game 1 of the NCAA Women’s College World Series softball championship series Wednesday, June 5, 2024, in Oklahoma City. Oklahoma won 8-3. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
Oklahoma pitcher Kelly Maxwell throws to the plate during the seventh inning of Game 1 of the Women’s College World Series finals against Texas on Wednesday night in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
Oklahoma coach Patty Gasso walks onto the field during the fifth inning of Game 1 of the team’s NCAA Women’s College World Series softball championship series against Texas on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, in Oklahoma City. Oklahoma won 8-3. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
Oklahoma players Riley Ludlam, right, Hannah Coor (27) and Maya Bland (12) walk into the stadium before Game 1 of the Women’s College World Series finals against Texas on Wednesday night in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
Texas players Bella Dayton, left, Victoria Hunter, center, and Mia Scott high-five fans as they enter the stadium before Game 1 of the Women’s College World Series finals against Oklahoma on Wednesday night in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
Oklahoma players Jayda Coleman, right, Nelly McEnroe-Marinas (2) and Tiare Jennings (23) high-five fans as they walk into the stadium before Game 1 of the Women’s College World Series finals against Texas on Wednesday night in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
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Oklahoma pitcher Kelly Maxwell throws to the plate during the sixth inning of Game 1 of the Women’s College World Series finals against Texas on Wednesday night in Oklahoma City. Oklahoma won 8-3. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma needs just one more win to make softball history.
Tiare Jennings’ two-run homer in the first inning sparked an 8-3 win over Texas on Wednesday night that left the Sooners one victory short of a record fourth straight Women’s College World Series title.
Oklahoma (58-7) had nine hits and three home runs against a Texas squad that had thrown three one-hit shutouts in three World Series games.
“It’s something that we really talked about, is trying to set the tone, give Kelly an opportunity to get settled,” Gasso said. “Very, very important. It was a goal of ours. They checked a lot of boxes tonight.”
Jennings, a former Long Beach St. Anthony High star, had two hits and three RBIs and Kinzie Hansen (Norco High) had two hits, including a two-run homer, for the Sooners in Game 1 of the best-of-three series. The second-seeded Sooners could clinch their eighth overall championship in Game 2 on Thursday night (5 p.m. PT, ESPN).
Oklahoma was calm after the first game.
“You see us here and we’re not overjubilant because we know there’s still a lot of work to do against a very, very good team that has very good pitchers, very good hitters,” Gasso said. “I mean, we know what’s in front of us still. So you don’t see us celebrating. There’s still a lot of work to do.”
Mia Scott hit a solo homer for top-seeded Texas (55-9), but there weren’t many more highlights. Now, the Longhorns will embrace the role of underdog.
“It’s a mind game,” Texas coach Mike White said. “Champions reframe. How can we reframe from this loss, what we’re facing right now? Come out and have a better game and see if we can play some good softball.”
It was another chapter in the storied rivalry between the programs, which will both leave the Big 12 for the Southeastern Conference next year. Oklahoma beat Texas in the national championship series in 2022. Texas won the Big 12 regular-season title this year, but Oklahoma won the conference tournament.
The Sooners played Tuesday while Texas had the day off, but Maxwell negated any edge the rest might have provided for the Longhorns. A day after tossing 148 pitches against Florida, Maxwell threw 119 against the Longhorns. She gave up one earned run and four hits and struck out eight.
“This is it,” Maxwell said. “This is my last opportunity. I’m just going to do everything I can to keep this team in it. I know that they have my back and I’ve got theirs.”
Teagan Kavan, Texas’ freshman star, had thrown two one-hitters in victories at the World Series. She opened Wednesday’s game by hitting Jayda Coleman with a pitch. Jennings, the next batter, launched one over the left field fence to put the Sooners ahead, 2-0. It was the 98th home run of Jennings’ career and her 11th at the World Series.
Hansen’s two-run homer and Kasidi Pickering’s solo shot back-to-back in the third gave the Sooners a 5-1 lead and chased Kavan.
“It snowballed a little bit there,” Texas’ Joley Mitchell said. “We have to do our job individually and as a team. We got away from our plan. We weren’t helping ourselves. We really need to stick to our plan and just play Texas softball.”
Texas scored two in the sixth and had two on with two outs when Maxwell struck out Victoria Hunter swinging to keep Oklahoma ahead, 7-3.
Maxwell struck out the final two batters in the seventh to close out the game.
Now, the Sooners will try to close out a Texas team that has rallied before. The Longhorns lost the first game in the regular-season series with Oklahoma and won the last two. They also lost the first game of their super regional against Texas A&M, then won the next two and advanced to the World Series.
“We’re a tough team,” Mitchell said. “As long as we stay together, do the job, we’ll be just fine the next two games.”