Tennessee vs. Texas Softball Live: WCWS Semifinal Score, Highlights, Analysis & How to Watch

Overview: Two Powerhouses Collide in Oklahoma City

As the sun rises over Oklahoma City, anticipation fills the air. It’s the Women’s College World Series (WCWS) semifinal — and two titans of college softball are colliding: the No. 7-seeded Tennessee Lady Vols and the No. 6 Texas Longhorns. This matchup isn’t just another chapter in WCWS history — it’s a must-watch clash that could rewrite the postseason narratives for both programs.

Both teams entered the semifinals on the heels of dramatic wins. Tennessee survived a thriller against UCLA with a walk-off, while Texas displayed dominance in their quarterfinal appearance. Now, with a spot in the WCWS Championship Series on the line, everything is at stake.

Current Score Update (As of June 2, 5:25 PM ET)

• Texas 1, Tennessee 0 (Top 5th Inning)

Texas holds a narrow lead after capitalizing on a key scoring opportunity earlier in the game. Starting pitcher Mac Morgan tossed four shutout innings before being relieved by the Longhorns’ ace, Teagan Kavan. The Lady Vols have had base runners, but timely strikeouts and sharp defense from Texas have kept them off the board.

Game Highlights and Key Moments (Live Updates)

Inning-by-Inning Breakdown

1st Inning:

• Texas opened aggressively, putting a runner on with a sharp single through the right side.
• Tennessee’s Payton Gottshall settled in quickly, inducing two flyouts and a strikeout to escape without damage.

2nd Inning:

• Lady Vols threatened with a leadoff double from Zaida Puni, but Texas’s Morgan escaped with three consecutive outs.
• Texas capitalized in the bottom half after a bunt single and a passed ball moved a runner into scoring position. A bloop hit to center brought in the game’s first run: Texas 1, Tennessee 0.

3rd–4th Inning:

• Both teams showcased elite pitching and defensive plays, particularly from Texas shortstop Reese Atwood, who turned a slick double play to halt Tennessee’s momentum.
• Texas coach Mike White made a gutsy call by bringing in Teagan Kavan early — and so far, it’s paying off.

5th Inning (in progress):

• Kavan struck out the side in the top half, including a critical punchout of Tennessee slugger McKenna Gibson.
• Tennessee’s bullpen is now active, signaling possible changes to counter Texas’s next at-bat.

Player Spotlight: Pitching Duel Defines the Day

Texas: Mac Morgan & Teagan Kavan

• Morgan threw four innings with poise and command: 4.0 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 4 K, 1 BB.
• Kavan, arguably one of the most dominant arms in the country, has come in to shut the door. Her velocity and command have neutralized Tennessee’s top hitters through one inning.

Tennessee: Payton Gottshall

• Despite allowing an early run, Gottshall has matched Texas pitch for pitch: 4.1 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 5 K.
• Her pitch mix — particularly the rise ball — has been effective against the heart of Texas’s lineup.

How to Watch the WCWS Semifinal

• TV Broadcast: Live on ESPN
• Streaming: Watch on the ESPN app or ESPN.com

Upcoming Game Info

• If Tennessee wins this game, a second semifinal matchup will be played immediately after to determine who advances to the best-of-three championship series.
• The championship series begins Wednesday, June 4, also airing on ESPN.

Team Comparisons: By the Numbers

Both teams come in statistically evenly matched. Texas has a slight edge in offensive production, but Tennessee’s pitching depth has been a difference-maker all tournament.

WCWS History: Legacies in the Making

Tennessee Lady Vols

• Led by coach Karen Weekly, Tennessee has been on a mission after an early exit last year.
• The Vols are known for their disciplined plate approach and power hitting, with key contributors like Kiki Milloy and Zaida Puni powering the offense.

Texas Longhorns

• Under coach Mike White, Texas has risen rapidly to national prominence. They made a finals run in 2022 and are seeking their first national title.
• Texas’s deep roster — both on the mound and at the plate — makes them one of the most balanced squads remaining.

What’s at Stake

The winner of this game (and possibly a second elimination matchup if Tennessee takes the first) advances to the best-of-three national championship series. There, they’ll face the winner of the other semifinal between Oklahoma and Florida — both formidable opponents with rich WCWS history.

For Tennessee, a return to the finals would mark their first championship appearance since 2013. For Texas, a win gets them one step closer to avenging their runner-up finish in 2022.

Fan Reactions and Atmosphere

At OGE Energy Field at Hall of Fame Stadium, a near-capacity crowd is split with a strong showing of orange on both sides. Chants of “Go Big Orange” and “Hook ‘Em” echo across the stadium, amplifying the tension of every pitch.

On social media, fans have been vocal:

“This is what softball is all about. Two elite teams, prime-time ESPN, and a trip to the finals on the line.”
– @VolSoftballFan22

“Teagan Kavan is unreal. Just mowing down batters like it’s a regular season scrimmage.”
– @HookEmSB

What to Watch Going Forward

• Can Tennessee solve Kavan? If they can force walks and extend at-bats, they could wear her down and set up late-inning drama.
• Will Texas manufacture insurance runs? Another run or two could be enough with Kavan dealing.
• Clutch Performers: Watch for late-game at-bats from McKenna Gibson (Tennessee) and Viviana Martinez (Texas), both known for postseason heroics.

Final Word (For Now)

This WCWS semifinal between Tennessee and Texas is living up to the hype. It’s a tactical chess match between elite coaching staffs, underlined by passionate fanbases and some of the nation’s top talent. The outcome may very well come down to one swing, one pitch, or one miscue. Stay tuned as the drama unfolds in Oklahoma City.