Texas Tech defeats Florida 10–8 in Gainesville Super Regional game 1 thriller

Texas Tech opened the Gainesville Super Regional with a dramatic 10–8 victory on Friday afternoon, using a late surge and timely power hitting to seize game one over Florida. Mia Williams delivered the defining moment in the top of the seventh inning, breaking an 8–8 tie with a two-run home run over the left-field bullpen. The Florida transfer finished 2-for-3 with three runs batted in and also absorbed two hit-by-pitches while setting the tone at the top of the order.

Lagi Quiroga added a spark in just her second start since March, going 2-for-2 with a walk and a towering home run. Lauren Allred powered the lineup, finishing 3-for-4 with a three-run blast and an RBI double. Hailey Toney delivered an early lift with a two-out RBI double in the fourth inning to put Texas Tech on the board. The Red Raiders generated momentum with clutch two-out hitting, stringing together consecutive extra-base hits to build an early advantage and keep pressure on Florida’s defense.

Kaitlyn Terry controlled the circle early, working five innings and allowing just two earned runs while striking out four. NiJaree Canady followed in relief and earned her 24th win of the season by pitching two scoreless innings with three strikeouts. Florida answered with power of its own, including back-to-back home runs that briefly tied the contest at 8–8, but Texas Tech responded in the decisive seventh. Williams delivered again with a second home run of the game, pushing the Red Raiders ahead for good. Canady closed the door in the seventh by retiring the final three batters after a leadoff single.

With the win, Texas Tech takes a 1–0 series lead and moves one step closer to a Super Regional sweep as momentum builds heading into game two on Saturday.