Texas Longhorns Defeat Abilene Christian in Softball Home Opener

Defending national champions open 2026 season with dominant 11-0 win

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The defending national champion Texas Longhorns softball team defeated Abilene Christian 11-0 in their 2026 home opener at Red & Charline McCombs Field. Senior infielder Leighann Goode hit a home run, freshman pitcher Hannah Wells contributed, and catcher Reese Atwood broke the Texas Longhorns softball career home run record with a home run of her own.

Why it matters

The Longhorns are looking to defend their national title and this decisive win over Abilene Christian is an encouraging start to their 2026 campaign. The team's veteran leadership and young talent were on full display in the lopsided victory.

The details

The Longhorns jumped out to an early lead and never looked back, scoring 11 unanswered runs against the overmatched Wildcats. Senior infielder Leighann Goode got the offense going with a home run, while freshman pitcher Hannah Wells turned in a strong performance. Catcher Reese Atwood also made history, breaking the Texas Longhorns softball career home run record with her blast.

  • The game was played on February 13, 2026 at Red & Charline McCombs Field in Austin, Texas.

The players

Leighann Goode

A senior infielder for the Texas Longhorns softball team who hit a home run in the game.

Hannah Wells

A freshman pitcher for the Texas Longhorns softball team who contributed to the team's dominant victory.

Reese Atwood

The Texas Longhorns softball team's catcher who broke the program's career home run record with her blast in the game.

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What they’re saying

“We came out focused and ready to defend our title. This was a great start to the season and we're excited to keep building momentum.”

— Leighann Goode, Senior Infielder (Instagram)

The takeaway

The Texas Longhorns softball team showed why they are the defending national champions, dominating Abilene Christian in their 2026 home opener. With veteran leadership and young talent, the Longhorns look primed for another deep postseason run.