Mike White expresses confidence in Mac Morgan ahead of must-win game in WCWS

Texas softball head coach Mike White isn’t uncomfortable with his back against the wall. When Texas squared off against Oklahoma in the regular season, the Longhorns began the three-game series with a loss.

However, Texas rallied back with two straight wins that ultimately secured the team the regular season title. Once again, White and his Longhorns have dug themselves in a hole, except this time their season is on the line.

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Ahead of Game 2 of the Women’s College World Series, White revealed how he’s used the team’s past comebacks to motivate them now.

“We have talked about that quite a bit. And not only that but also in the Texas A&M series and several other times,” White told ESPN’s Holly Rowe. “[If] it doesn’t go your way, it’s how you bounce back that really counts. That’s what we’re working on and just making sure we have a better game tonight.”

After falling to Oklahoma 8-3 on Wednesday, Texas will need back-to-back wins to secure the program’s first national championship. The team’s comeback will begin on the mound. On Thursday, Texas pitcher Mac Morgan will start.

Morgan only pitched 1.2 innings in the Longhorns’ loss on Wednesday. Mike White is confident in his pitcher heading into the season-defining game.

“The look in her eye. That’s what you like to see,” White said. “You want someone that wants the ball and wants to go out and give it their best shot, and I’m confident she’s gonna give it her best shot. No doubt.”

Patty Gasso weighs in ahead of WCWS Final Game 2

Texas won’t be the only team starting a new pitcher in Game 2. Ahead of the game, Oklahoma head coach Patty Gasso revealed who will begin the contest on the mound for the Sooners.

“We’re gonna start Karlie Keeney,” Gasso said. “Liberty transfer, keeps the ball down, does a good job of mixing in a little bit of speed. She’s been waiting for this moment, so I’m excited for her. But I’ve got a whole corral of pitchers ready to come in and help. Kelly could be seen today, as well, but she’s been going quite a bit.”

Oklahoma doesn’t need to change much. The team looked excellent in its win over Texas on Wednesday, recording nine hits compared to the Longhorns’ four. Gasso wants her team to keep its foot on the gas to secure the program’s fourth-straight national title.

“Don’t think we change a thing,” Gasso said. “Game plan worked out really well, just trying to attack early. Things will be a little bit different on the mound. We’ve got to do a tag-team, very similar to Texas. Still got to hit.”