There’s a buzz sweeping across Lubbock, and it’s not from the spring wind. It’s the sound of history being made, and Texas Tech softball is the source. On Friday afternoon, the Red Raiders added yet another chapter to their already storybook season, defeating No. 5 national seed Florida State 2-1 to clinch a spot in the Women’s College World Series (WCWS) — the first in program history.
This win wasn’t just a one-off upset. It was a continuation of a dominant postseason run and a season that’s already seen the Red Raiders secure their first Big 12 regular season championship, their first Big 12 Tournament title, and their first NCAA Regional victory. At 50-12, Texas Tech stands as the last Big 12 team still playing, and they’re now heading to the grandest stage in college softball: Oklahoma City.
NiJaree Canady: The Ace, The Anchor, The Hero
If you’ve watched any part of Tech’s postseason, one thing is clear — NiJaree Canady isn’t just the team’s MVP. She’s the best player in the country, period.
After throwing a complete-game shutout and launching a solo home run in Thursday night’s Super Regional opener, Canady came back on Friday and delivered again. Her performance? A complete game, three hits allowed, just one run surrendered, and three strikeouts — all while keeping her season ERA at a jaw-dropping 0.89.
The true test came in the seventh inning when Florida State, fighting to avoid elimination, mounted their only real threat of the series. Down 2-0, the Seminoles scratched across a run and had the tying run on third with just one out. But Canady kept her composure, coaxing back-to-back pop-ups to first base and sending the Red Raiders into softball immortality.
Timely Hitting and Scrappy Play
Though Canady was the headliner, this was a true team effort — particularly on the offensive side. Tech wasted no time putting pressure on Florida State, capitalizing on the Seminoles' mistakes in the first inning.
Speedster Mihyia Davis did what she does best — got on base and caused chaos. A single, a stolen base, and an error put her in scoring position, and Alana Johnson brought her home with a well-placed sacrifice fly.
In the fifth, Johnson returned the favor by scoring the eventual game-winning run on a clutch single from Demi Elder, who ripped a ball up the middle to make it 2-0. That insurance run proved crucial.
Florida State committed four errors in the game — uncharacteristic for a top-five team — but Tech made them pay for every mistake. It wasn’t flashy; it was fundamentally sound, smart softball.
From Underdogs to Contenders
What’s happening in Lubbock is no accident. After a middling 2023 season (29-21 overall, 8-16 Big 12), the Red Raiders received a boost both on and off the field. A strong NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) program, fueled by passionate boosters and alumni, has helped bring elite talent to Tech. Combine that with savvy coaching and buy-in from the players, and you’ve got a Cinderella story with staying power.
Now, with momentum and confidence, the Red Raiders prepare for their WCWS debut on Thursday in Oklahoma City. Their opponent will be the winner of the Fayetteville Super Regional, where Ole Miss leads Arkansas 1-0 after a wild 9-7 win.
Looking Ahead
No matter what happens next, this season will go down as a milestone year in Red Raider history. But don’t expect this team to be satisfied just getting to the WCWS — they’ve proven time and time again that they belong with the elite.
The game time and broadcast details for Tech’s opener in Oklahoma City will be announced after all Super Regionals are completed this weekend.
But one thing is already certain: The Red Raiders are no longer a feel-good story. They’re a legitimate national contenders.
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