Texas softball: Freshmen Jaycie Nichols, Hannah Wells to play key roles in NCAA Tournament

By now, the names have become familiar to Texas softball fans and followers of the game. Pitcher Teagan Kavan , who was named last season’s most outstanding player at the Women’s College World Series. Slugger Katie Stewart , a top 10 finalist for USA Softball’s collegiate player of the year award.

All-American catcher Reese Atwood . The middle infield tandem of Vivi Martinez and Leighann Goode. Speedy centerfielder Kayden Henry.

But as the Longhorns begin defense of their national championship on the opening weekend of the NCAA Tournament at McCombs Field, several freshmen could hold the key to a third straight WCWS appearance and a run at defending their national title. Starting third baseman Jaycie Nichols, starting designated player and part-time pitcher Hannah Wells and rotational left fielder Alissa Sneed could all step into the lineup when top-seeded Texas (42-10) opens the NCAA Tournament Friday at 3 p. m.

against upstart Wagner. And all are ready for the pressure-packed postseason, Stewart said. “Most of the team having been to two World Series already, but even just the freshmen, they've experienced those big games already,” Stewart said, citing regular-season games against some fellow top-eight tournament seeds.