Texas vs. Texas Tech score, live updates: WCWS softball championship series 2026 Game 2 start time, latest news and score

According to coach Mike White, senior outfielder Ashton Maloney, who hit the two-run triple misplayed by Desirae Spearman that broke open Texas’ scoring in the first, is beloved on the team not only for her speed and defensive prowess, but also her dry sense of humor.

In the news conference after Texas’ Game 1 win, Maloney responded to a question regarding what it will take to not repeat last year’s situation with Texas Tech taking Game 2, she joked, “I think the keys to winning are to score more runs than your opponent.”

“She is probably, other than myself, probably the strongest competitor on the team,” Mike White said. “So she hates to lose at anything. She is really driven to win. When she doesn’t do what she wants to do, she gets a little upset, but you kind of like that part of her. And what kind of defense is she playing for us? The last several years we’ve been lucky enough to have her in right field, and she makes some great plays, strong arm.”