Aggies vs. Longhorns: Rivalry renewed in 2024 Austin Super Regional

Press conference video courtesy of Texas A&M Athletics.

To be the best, you have to beat the best.

Trisha Ford’s No. 16 seed Aggies will face that exact challenge this weekend, taking on top-seeded Texas in the Austin Super Regional.

Not only has Texas been declared as the best team in college softball, but it’s a meeting between two schools that just always means more.

“(The rivalry) is there,” A&M head coach Trisha Ford said. “It is there and well.”

The long-standing rivalry between the universities, separated by about 100 miles, has a rich tradition of drama, disdain and even hatred.

Even A&M softball has its reasons after last year’s Austin Regional, which sent the Aggies home in Ford’s first season.

Kay Naegeli, TexAgs

Opened in 1998, Red & Charline McCombs Field in Austin seats 1,245 fans.

Whether it's on the gridiron, court or diamond, A&M vs. Texas remains a classic showdown.

This weekend’s edition of the rivalry at Red & Charline McCombs Field will feature high-powered offenses and elite pitching.

Emiley Kennedy headlines A&M’s star power, building an All-American resume as a junior.

“Lefty” is among the best in the nation in many categories, ranking third in shutouts with 10, tied for fifth in complete games, tied for 13th in wins with 23, 14th in hits allowed and 22nd in ERA.

“We are just as confident as (Emiley) is,” A&M’s Koko Wooley said. “When she is confident in herself in the circle, it’s easy to be behind someone that is so confident.”

Wooley leads A&M at the plate with a team-high .389 batting average, going 7-for-10 in the Bryan-College Station Regional. Kennedy Powell and Wooley bring speed to the top of A&M’s order, followed by Trinity Cannon and Julia Cottrill, who provide the pop.

In the last 10 games, Cannon has recorded a 1.526 OPS from the cleanup spot.

”I am really pleased this year with (Trinity’s) ability to stay steady,” Ford said. “Last year, she had more up and down. This year, she has done a tremendous job. It’s just growth of being in our system.”

However, the Aggies have a tough task ahead, trying to quiet a loud Texas offense.

Big 12 Player of the Year Reese Atwood sits in the Longhorns’ four-hole with a .433 average and has driven in a nation-leading 88 RBIs this season.

A deep Longhorn pitching staff could give the Aggies trouble at the plate with a dangerous trio of Big 12 Freshman of the Year Teagan Kavan, Citlaly Gutierrez and Mac Morgan.

“I would not want to be a team facing our pitching staff,” Atwood said. “We have such a deep staff with teams who throw many different things, so it's probably hard to scout us. You never know who you are going to get.”

In fact, the Aggies don’t know who they will see on Friday. Texas coach Mike White was unsure who he would throw.

On the other hand, Kennedy is ready to ride it out for A&M.

“Just getting mentally prepared even if I have to throw three games,” Kennedy said. “Knowing that I threw really well last weekend, I’ve thrown well all year, so not making it too big. Just do what I need to do.”

Beginning on Friday, May 24 at 5 p.m. CT, A&M has a chance to get to its first Women’s College World Series since 2017 in the best way possible — by upsetting the No. 1 overall team.

In doing so, the Aggies would also keep their arch-rival at home next weekend.