Texas softball hosts Abilene Christian in home opener

Longhorns look to bounce back from first loss of season

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The No. 2 Texas Longhorns softball team hosts the winless Abilene Christian Wildcats in the first of six games this weekend at the Bevo Classic at McCombs Field in Austin. Texas is coming off its first loss of the season last weekend at the UTSA Invitational, but the Longhorns still boast a potent offense led by senior catcher Reese Atwood, who is closing in on the program's all-time home run record.

Why it matters

This early-season matchup gives Texas a chance to rebound from its first defeat and continue building momentum ahead of conference play. Atwood's pursuit of the home run record also adds an individual storyline to follow as the Longhorns look to defend their national championship.

The details

Texas (4-1) dropped a spot to No. 2 in the latest NFCA poll after falling to Nebraska last weekend, but the Longhorns still hit .361 as a team and scored 46 runs in San Antonio. Atwood, the centerpiece of the loaded Texas lineup, is now just one home run away from tying the program's all-time record of 58 set by Taylor Hoagland from 2010-13. Atwood also holds the Longhorns' career RBI record at 232 and counting.

  • The game is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
  • Texas is the reigning national champion, having won the title in 2025.

The players

Reese Atwood

A senior catcher for the Texas Longhorns, Atwood is the centerpiece of the team's loaded lineup and is closing in on the program's all-time home run record.

Taylor Hoagland

A former Texas softball player who held the program's all-time home run record of 58 from 2010-13, which Atwood is now poised to break.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

This early-season matchup against Abilene Christian gives the Longhorns a chance to bounce back from their first loss and continue building momentum as Reese Atwood closes in on the program's all-time home run record. Texas remains one of the top teams in the country and is looking to defend its national championship.