University of Texas Longhorns compete in Women's College World Series

Unseeded Texas is trying to dethrone No. 1 Oklahoma, arguably the greatest team in softball history, in the Women's College World Series finals.

• Yes, but: The Longhorns were crushed 16-1 Wednesday night in the first game of the best-of-three series in Oklahoma City.

The big picture: Offensive-minded Oklahoma is the defending champion, with five titles to its name.

• Texas had never even reached the finals before, but the team did accomplish one of 2022's rarest feats by beating Oklahoma back in April.
• The Sooners had won more than 40 games in a row — it was their first loss in more than 300 days.

The intrigue: Texas has been on a tear ever since it was bounced from the Big 12 tournament, losing to Oklahoma State in a game in which Texas coach Mike White argued a call and showed umps his middle finger.

• He was ejected — and apologized — but the fiery moment grabbed his players' attention.
• "He has our back," Longhorns catcher Mary Iakopo said. "That's what that meant to us."

What they're saying: Now in the World Series, White has told his players they are playing with "house money."