In a thrilling display of resilience and clutch performance, the University of North Texas Mean Green softball team staged a dramatic comeback to defeat the University of Texas at San Antonio Roadrunners 7-6 in the second round of the 2026 American Athletic Conference Softball Championship. Held at Joyner Family Softball Stadium in Greenville, North Carolina, on May 6, the walk-off victory propelled North Texas into the quarterfinals, keeping their postseason dreams alive while ending UTSA's tournament run.

The game encapsulated the high stakes of college softball, where student-athletes from public universities in Texas showcased not just athletic prowess but also the mental fortitude developed through balancing rigorous academics and intense competition. North Texas, entering as the No. 6 seed with a 27-27 regular-season record, overcame a three-run deficit in the late innings, highlighting the unpredictable excitement that defines conference tournaments.

⚾ A Rollercoaster Inning-by-Inning Breakdown

The contest began with North Texas jumping ahead early. In the bottom of the second, sophomore outfielder Blayze McNemar crushed a two-run home run to left field, scoring Eva Daniels and giving the Mean Green a 2-0 lead. UTSA responded methodically, chipping away at the deficit over the next three innings.

Sabrina Wick's RBI single in the third made it 2-1. Samantha Mundine's double in the fourth tied it at 2-2, and Wick's double in the fifth put the Roadrunners ahead 3-2. North Texas equalized in their half of the fifth when a dropped third strike and passed ball allowed Elizabeth Moffitt to score, knotting the score at 3-3.

UTSA surged in the sixth, loading the bases and capitalizing on errors and hits from Katia Reyes and Madison Hornback to build a 6-3 advantage. But North Texas refused to fade. Kaycee Slovak's two-run homer in the bottom of the sixth brought the Mean Green within one, and Bradi Harman's RBI single tied it at 6-6.

The seventh inning epitomized drama: Addie Perry pinch-ran and doubled to lead off, advancing to third on a groundout. With two outs, Ariah Mitchell delivered the walk-off RBI single to left-center, sending North Texas fans into euphoria and UTSA into heartbreak.

Standout Performances from Key Student-Athletes

Ariah Mitchell emerged as the hero, her walk-off single capping a season where she has been a reliable first baseman for North Texas. A graduate student transfer, Mitchell's poise under pressure exemplified the leadership expected from upperclassmen in Division I programs.

Bradi Harman went 3-for-4 with an RBI, showcasing her consistency at second base. Blayze McNemar contributed two hits, including her second home run of the year, while Kaycee Slovak's sixth-inning blast was pivotal. On the mound, Britney Lewinski earned the win in relief, pitching 2.2 innings and allowing just one earned run.

For UTSA, Sabrina Wick drove in two runs with a pair of doubles, and Samantha Mundine added an RBI double. Starter Arlette Hernandez went six innings, striking out several but ultimately taking the loss. These performances underscore how individual excellence drives team success in collegiate sports.

• Ariah Mitchell: 1-for-5, 1 RBI (walk-off single)
• Bradi Harman: 3-for-4, 1 RBI
• Blayze McNemar: 2 hits, 2 RBI, HR
• Kaycee Slovak: 1 hit, 2 RBI, HR
• Sabrina Wick (UTSA): 2 hits, 2 RBI, 2 doubles

North Texas Mean Green: A Season of Grit and Growth

The University of North Texas softball program, part of a vibrant athletics department at a Carnegie R1 research university, finished the regular season 27-27 overall and 14-13 in AAC play, securing the No. 6 seed. Under head coach Megan Rembielak, the Mean Green navigated a challenging schedule, including series against top seeds like South Florida and Wichita State.

Key to their success has been a balanced attack, with multiple players contributing power and speed. The team's five walk-off wins this season reflect a never-say-die mentality. Academically, UNT student-athletes maintain high standards, with the softball team boasting strong GPAs and All-Academic honors, aligning with the university's emphasis on holistic development. For more on the official recap, visit the Mean Green athletics site.

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UTSA Roadrunners: Most Wins Since 2015

The Roadrunners entered the tournament on a high note, upsetting No. 10 Memphis 8-6 in the first round with a five-run third inning. Finishing 24-33 overall (11-16 AAC), it marked UTSA's most victories since 2015. As a rising program in the AAC since 2023, UTSA has invested in facilities and recruiting, fostering a competitive culture at their San Antonio campus.

Despite the loss, players like Arlette Hernandez (14-15) and Sabrina Wick demonstrated potential. The season's progress signals brighter futures, contributing to campus pride at UTSA, a Hispanic-Serving Institution focused on access to higher education. Details available on the Roadrunners' site.

Tournament Landscape and Path Forward

The 2026 AAC Softball Championship, hosted by East Carolina at Joyner Stadium, features an eight-team double-elimination format. Top seeds South Florida and Wichita State received byes. North Texas now faces No. 3 ECU in the quarterfinals on May 7, a rematch with implications for NCAA bids.

• No. 1 South Florida (40-15)
• No. 2 Wichita State (35-16)
• No. 3 East Carolina (32-24)
• No. 4 Florida Atlantic
• No. 5 Charlotte
• No. 6 North Texas
• No. 7 UTSA (eliminated)
• No. 8 Tulsa, No. 9 UAB, No. 10 Memphis (eliminated)

The winner advances toward the championship game on May 9, with the automatic NCAA Tournament bid on the line. For the full bracket, check the AAC official page.

Intrasate Rivalry Fuels Texas College Softball Passion

North Texas leads the all-time series against UTSA 33-14 since 2005, with recent dominance (wins in 24 of last 28). This intrastate matchup boosts attendance and engagement at both universities, enhancing student life and alumni connections. Such rivalries exemplify how athletics unites diverse campus communities in the Lone Star State.

College Softball's Role in Higher Education

Beyond the diamond, programs like UNT and UTSA softball embody Title IX principles, providing equitable opportunities for women in athletics. Student-athletes develop time management, teamwork, and resilience—skills transferable to careers in academia, research, and beyond. Studies show participation correlates with higher graduation rates and leadership roles post-college.

At UNT, a Tier One research university with over 42,000 students, softball contributes to a 124-conference-championship legacy. UTSA, serving a majority Hispanic population, uses sports to promote retention and success. These efforts position universities as comprehensive developers of future professionals.

Photo by Perry Merrity II on Unsplash

Quarterfinal Preview: Mean Green vs. Pirates

North Texas faces host East Carolina (32-24, 16-11 AAC) on May 7 at 1:30 p.m. CT. ECU advanced with a win over Tulsa. The Pirates' home-field edge and pitching staff pose challenges, but UNT's momentum could carry them further. A deep run enhances recruiting and visibility for both universities.

This walk-off triumph not only extends North Texas' season but reaffirms college softball's vital place in higher education, inspiring the next generation of student-leaders.