Texas Softball's Power Surge Hits SEC Play After 17 Straight Wins

No. 3 Texas softball enters SEC play on a 17-game winning streak, powered by home-run leaders Katie Stewart and Reese Atwood.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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No. 3 Texas softball has a 17-game winning streak heading into the start of Southeastern Conference play this weekend, led by home run hitters Katie Stewart and Reese Atwood. The Longhorns open a ranked road series at No. 24 South Carolina, as they look to continue their dominant offensive performance and secure a conference title.

Why it matters

Texas softball has been one of the top teams in the country this season, and their powerful offense led by Stewart and Atwood has been a major factor in their success. As they enter SEC play, which features 11 ranked teams, the Longhorns will face their toughest competition yet as they aim to win a conference title.

The details

Stewart leads the team with 11 home runs, while Atwood has 9 as she continues to build on the program's career home run record. Head coach Mike White says the two players are engaged in a friendly competition to see who can hit the most homers this season. Stewart's swing overhaul has been a key to her breakout performance, as she is now hitting a home run every 4.6 at-bats compared to one every 11.6 at-bats last season.

  • The series opener is set for 5 p.m. CT Friday from Carolina Softball Field in Columbia, South Carolina.
  • Game 2 starts at 2 p.m. CT Saturday.
  • The finale is at 11 a.m. CT Sunday.

The players

Katie Stewart

A Texas softball player who leads the team with 11 home runs this season and has a 1.240 slugging percentage, which ranks 6th in NCAA Division I.

Reese Atwood

A Texas softball player who has 9 home runs this season and continues to build on the program's career home run record.

Mike White

The head coach of the Texas softball team.

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What they’re saying

“The top of the conference is separating itself from the rest, but you just don't know for sure until you get into conference play. It's hard to get a sweep, but if you want to win the conference, you need at least three or four sweeps.”

— Mike White, Head Coach (kxan.com)

“I'm glad we're not getting a bill for all the damage she's doing.”

— Mike White, Head Coach (kxan.com)

“You're starting to see the fruits of a lot of hours of practice. It takes buy-in, trust and constant work, and that's what she's been doing.”

— Mike White, Head Coach (kxan.com)

“It's incredible, the power that she's able to produce.”

— Reese Atwood (kxan.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.