Oklahoma City—-In a stunning turn of events at the Women’s College World Series, Texas Tech defeated Oklahoma 3–2 in a dramatic semifinal matchup, ending the Sooners’ quest for a fifth consecutive national title.
The game was a back-and-forth battle, with Oklahoma’s Abigale Dayton hitting a two-out, two-strike home run in the seventh inning to tie the game. However, Texas Tech responded in the bottom of the inning. Mihyia Davis led off with a single, Hailey Toney followed with a double, and Lauren Allred delivered the game-winning sacrifice fly, sending the Red Raiders to their first-ever WCWS championship series.
Pitcher NiJaree Canady, a transfer from Stanford, was instrumental in the victory. Despite giving up the tying homer, she remained composed and helped secure the win. Canady, who signed a $1 million NIL deal with Texas Tech, has been a dominant force on the mound throughout the tournament.
Head coach Gerry Glasco praised his team’s resilience and legacy. “We didn’t want it to be easy. It’s Oklahoma. You knew it wasn’t going to be easy,” he said. “This was our chance at forever—to leave a legacy at Texas Tech that will be remembered forever.”
The Red Raiders will now face Texas in the championship series, marking the first time the two Texas programs will meet in the WCWS finals. Both teams are vying for their first national title.
This victory not only ends Oklahoma’s dominance but also signifies a new era in college softball, with Texas Tech emerging as a formidable contender on the national stage.
