The Texas Volts ended their 2026 AUSL home season at Dell Diamond with a brutal pair of 7-2 losses to the Oklahoma City Spark this week, dropping their record to a tough 6-17. This was **not** how anyone pictured wrapping up the home schedule, especially after the team had just pulled off its first-ever three-game sweep of the Carolina Blaze. Talk about a momentum killer, right?
Hits Don't Always Equal Runs: The First 7-2 Blowout
Let's dive into that first 7-2 defeat. The Spark blew open a 1-1 game by pouring on three runs in both the fourth and fifth innings. Here's the kicker: the Volts *outhit* OKC 9-5 for the game! But they just couldn't capitalize, adding only one more run after the third inning. That lone run was a solo home run by rookie infielder Jackie Lis in the sixth, her second homer in as many games. Lis was a bright spot, going 3-for-4 on the night. But a critical error from Keirstin Roose in the fourth, a throwing miscue, directly led to two Spark runs. You simply can't have those breakdowns. NiJaree Canady, who came in after Jessica Mullins relieved Ally Carda, took the pitching loss, striking out three in three innings but walking four. That tells a tough story.Garcia's Brilliance Overshadowed by Late-Game Collapse
Then came the second 7-2 loss, and it felt like déjà vu. The game was tight again, 2-1, before the seventh inning became a nightmare: the Spark exploded for five runs! Sidney Romero mashed a three-run homer, and Amari Harper followed with a solo shot. Just like that, the game was ripped away. The Spark, now 11-11, are riding high with six wins in their last eight games, pushing them right back into the postseason picture. They lead the AUSL in homers and have pretty much owned the Volts this season, winning four of their five matchups. A brutal beat. And here's the really frustrating part: Volts starter Rachel Garcia delivered an absolute masterclass in that second game! She tied the AUSL's single-game record with a mind-blowing 12 strikeouts, pitching a complete game. Six of those K's were looking, too! She's now the first AUSL player with 100 regular-season career strikeouts, hitting 103 total, with 52 this season alone. Outfielder Rylie Boone also went 3-for-4, and catcher Dejah Mulipola blasted her first home run of the season to lead off the fourth. You see that kind of individual brilliance, and it just crushes you that the team couldn't get the W.Final Road Trip: Can the Volts Find a Way to Finish Strong?
So, what's next for the Volts as this tough season winds down? They're heading to Portland for their final two-game series of the season against the Cascade. First pitch is 7 p.m. Friday in Hillsboro, Oregon, and you can catch the action on ESPN2. They've gotta find a way to finish strong and grab some wins, even if the postseason is out of reach. We need to see that fight and determination to carry some positive vibes into next year. Let's get it done!This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.