Texas Tech is heading back to the Women’s College World Series championship series, and the Red Raiders earned their spot in dramatic fashion.
After battling through a grueling stretch of four games in three days, Texas Tech leaned once again on ace pitcher NiJaree Canady, whose dominant performance powered the Red Raiders to a 2-0 victory over Alabama Crimson Tide softball on Monday night in Oklahoma City.
The win sends Texas Tech into the WCWS finals against Texas Longhorns softball, setting up a highly anticipated championship rematch from the 2025 season.
Canady Delivers Another Masterclass
With everything on the line, Canady turned in one of the most impressive outings of her collegiate career.
The Texas Tech star tossed a complete-game shutout, striking out six batters while allowing just two hits and two walks. Alabama struggled all evening to generate consistent offense against the Red Raiders’ ace, who continued her remarkable postseason run.
Texas Tech improved to 61-8 on the season and remained perfect when facing elimination during this year’s postseason. The Red Raiders have now gone 4-0 in win-or-go-home situations.
Burns Breaks Through In Fourth Inning
For much of the contest, runs were hard to come by.
Both teams traded scoreless frames before Texas Tech finally broke the deadlock in the top of the fourth inning. A solo home run from Jasmyn Burns gave the Red Raiders a 1-0 advantage and shifted momentum in their favor.
The slim lead held up thanks to Canady’s dominance in the circle, but Texas Tech added valuable insurance late in the game.
Late Run Provides Breathing Room
The Red Raiders extended their lead in the top of the seventh inning when Lauren Allred delivered an RBI that brought Mihyia Davis home.
Davis was able to score after a wild throw by Alabama to third base. Officials reviewed the play moments later and upheld the ruling, allowing the run to stand and giving Texas Tech a 2-0 cushion heading into the final half-inning.
That proved more than enough support for Canady, who closed out the shutout victory and secured the Red Raiders’ return to the national championship series.
Momentum Carries Over From Earlier Thriller
Monday’s decisive win came only hours after Texas Tech forced the winner-take-all matchup with a dramatic 5-4 victory.
That earlier contest ended when Mia Williams launched a walk-off home run in the bottom of the seventh inning, extending the semifinal showdown and keeping the Red Raiders’ championship hopes alive.
The pair of victories completed an impressive turnaround and propelled Texas Tech into another shot at a national title.
Championship Rematch Awaits
Now the focus shifts to a familiar opponent.
Texas Tech and Texas will meet in the 2026 Women’s College World Series finals, renewing a rivalry that already produced a championship matchup one year ago.
The best-of-three series is scheduled to begin Wednesday evening at Devon Park in Oklahoma City. First pitch is set for 7 p.m. as the Red Raiders chase the program’s ultimate prize against the Longhorns.