Future AUSL Stars Leighann Goode and Reese Atwood at Center of Texas’s Power-Hitting Series Against No. 2 Oklahoma

AUSTIN, Texas — Then-No. 4 Texas and No. 2 Oklahoma combined for 11 home runs in a three-game series at McCombs Field last week, with AUSL golden ticket infielder Leighann Goode homering in the finale as Texas avoided a sweep with an 8-6 walk-off win.

Oklahoma took the first two games by scores of 3-0 and 4-3. Texas rallied in the series finale for the walk-off, hitting six home runs across the three games to Oklahoma’s five. Eight of the 11 combined home runs sailed toward the East Campus Graduate Apartments beyond the left field fence — a recurring hazard for the building’s residents during Longhorn home games.

Series Finale Walk-Off

Texas finished the series with its most complete offensive performance. Katie Stewart drove in three runs and scored twice, including the walk-off home run, to cap the 8-6 victory. Goode added a home run in the finale as well, giving her a power contribution in Texas’s only win of the series.

Texas entered the series at 33-6 overall and 10-5 in conference play, having already accumulated 68 home runs on the season. For context, the program set a single-season home run record in 2025 with 94.

The AUSL Connection on Both Sides of the Plate

Two of the players central to Texas’s offensive identity — Goode and catcher Reese Atwood — are both AUSL golden ticket selections heading to the May 4 draft on ESPN2.

Goode, the third golden ticket awarded in the 2026 class, has been one of Texas’s steadiest hitters all season. The shortstop entered the series hitting .471 with 33 hits and 21 RBI through 30 games. Her home run in the series finale was one more turn in a 2026 campaign that has significantly upgraded her offensive output from a year ago, when she hit .295 with 10 home runs and 43 RBI.

Atwood, the second golden ticket pick and Texas’s career home run record holder, is a two-time All-American and the 2025 NFCA Catcher of the Year. Her presence in the lineup anchors a Texas offense that has consistently ranked among the most powerful in the country. The combination of Goode’s on-base ability and Atwood’s power at the back of the order is a lineup structure that AUSL front offices have been watching carefully.

What the Series Means Going Forward

Oklahoma won the series 2-1 and solidified its position near the top of the national rankings. For Texas, avoiding the sweep mattered. A 1-2 series against the No. 2 team in the country is not a crisis, but losing three to Oklahoma would have raised questions about the Longhorns’ depth as the postseason approaches.

Instead, Texas answered with 8-6, 11 combined home runs and a reminder that its lineup can trade blows with the best programs in the sport. With Goode and Atwood heading to the AUSL after the season, games like this give fans the clearest preview of what those two will bring to professional softball this summer.

The AUSL draft airs May 4 on ESPN2 at 7 PM ET. Commissioner Kim Ng will announce team assignments for both players during the broadcast.