Oklahoma City witnessed an intense showdown on June 4, 2025, as the Texas Tech Red Raiders faced off against the formidable No. 6 Texas Longhorns in Game 1 of the Women's College World Series (WCWS) championship series. The best-of-three series, broadcast live on ESPN and streamed on Fubo, kicked off at 7 p.m. Central Time at Devon Park, setting the stage for a thrilling battle between two of college softball’s top programs.
Texas Tech, making their WCWS debut, had already made headlines by defeating the four-time defending champions, Oklahoma Sooners, in a dramatic 3-2 victory just days earlier. The Red Raiders had taken a 2-0 lead into the seventh inning against Oklahoma before the Sooners tied it with a two-run homer. However, 2025 NFCA Pitcher of the Year NiJaree Canady quickly regained composure, striking out the next batter and setting the stage for a walk-off win. Key offensive contributions from Mihyia Davis, Hailey Toney, and Lauren Allred secured the victory and propelled Texas Tech into the championship series.
Despite Texas Tech’s historic success in the tournament, the Longhorns entered Game 1 with a strong pedigree. Texas was the national runner-up in two of the previous three years and boasted a roster led by pitcher Teagan Kavan, who had been dominant throughout the tournament. The Longhorns had swept Texas Tech in their two regular-season meetings, including a nail-biting 2-1 ninth-inning victory earlier in the year, making this series a compelling narrative of redemption and rivalry.
The opening innings of Game 1 unfolded as a pitching duel between Canady and Kavan. Canady, known for her devastating screwball and changeup, struck out seven batters over six innings while allowing just four hits. Kavan, equally masterful, scattered three hits and struck out three over seven innings, allowing only one unearned run. Both pitchers showcased their elite talents, keeping the game scoreless through the first four innings.
Texas Tech’s offense showed early promise, loading the bases with no outs in the first inning due to two singles and a catcher's interference call. However, Kavan’s poise shone through as she induced a 5-2-3 double play and a groundout to escape the jam unscathed. Mihyia Davis led off the game with a single, setting the tone for the Red Raiders’ aggressive approach at the plate.
The fifth inning brought a controversial moment that would prove pivotal. Texas' Logan Halleman was initially called out trying to steal second base, but after review, the call was overturned due to obstruction by Texas shortstop Leighann Goode. This gave Halleman a reprieve and allowed her to reach safely. Capitalizing on this, Mihyia Davis blooped a single into right-center field, scoring Halleman and giving Texas Tech a 1-0 lead after 4½ innings. At this point, Texas had more errors (three) than hits (one), underscoring the defensive challenges they faced.
Texas threatened in the bottom of the sixth. After Canady struck out the first two batters, Kayden Henry singled and stole second base, followed by a single from Mia Scott. With runners on second and third and two outs, the Longhorns opted to intentionally walk Reese Atwood, Texas’ best hitter. Canady attempted to deliver four balls to Atwood, but the final pitch caught too much of the plate. Atwood seized the opportunity, ripping a two-run single into left field that scored Henry and Scott, flipping the scoreboard to a 2-1 Texas lead. This clutch hit proved decisive in the tightly contested game.
Following the go-ahead hit, Kavan took over, securing the final three outs to seal a 2-1 victory for Texas. Her complete-game performance was characterized by precision and composure, allowing only one unearned run—stemming from a contentious error in the fifth inning—and limiting Texas Tech’s potent offense to just three hits. Kavan’s ability to silence Texas Tech’s bats in the crucial late innings underscored her status as one of the nation’s premier pitchers.
Despite the loss, Texas Tech’s season has been marked by remarkable achievements. NiJaree Canady’s 0.90 ERA and 33-5 record rank among the best in program history, earning her Big 12 Pitcher of the Year and a Player of the Year Top 3 Finalist nod. Offensively, senior outfielder Demi Elder has been a catalyst since her return, with the team posting a 30-3 record in games she played and reaching base safely in 28 of 33 contests. Junior speedster Mihyia Davis has dazzled with a career-high five home runs, 10 doubles, six triples, and 26 stolen bases, earning Big 12 All-First Team and All-Defensive Team honors.
Freshmen Hailey Toney and Bailey Lindemuth have anchored the left side of the infield, with Toney starting every game at shortstop—the only freshman from a power four school to do so—and both earning All-Big 12 Freshman Team recognition. Alana Johnson has been a postseason standout, batting .400 with 19 total bases and seven RBIs, while Lauren Allred has risen in the WCWS with a .429 batting average, including the game-winning sacrifice fly against Oklahoma.
Texas Tech’s resilience is evident in their NCAA Tournament performance, having played 55 innings without ever trailing and holding a 47-5 record when scoring first. Their historic run to the championship series underscores that past records, such as their 11-60 all-time mark against Texas, do not dictate the present.
Looking ahead, Texas Tech faces a daunting challenge. Down 0-1 in the series, the Red Raiders must win Game 2 on June 5 and, if necessary, Game 3 on June 6 to claim their first NCAA softball championship. Both games are scheduled for 7 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on ESPN and streamed on Fubo.
The Texas Longhorns, meanwhile, are one victory away from securing their inaugural NCAA softball title. Their ability to execute in clutch moments, as demonstrated by Reese Atwood’s game-changing two-run single and Teagan Kavan’s dominant pitching, has placed them in a commanding position.
The championship series promises more drama, with star pitchers NiJaree Canady and Teagan Kavan poised to continue their duel. Fans can anticipate high-level softball, strategic battles, and unforgettable moments as these two teams vie for national supremacy.
As the series progresses, Texas Tech’s determination and Texas’ experience will collide in what could be a classic finish to the 2025 Women’s College World Series. The Red Raiders have already defied expectations and history; now, they must summon every ounce of their talent and grit to keep their championship dreams alive.
Game 2 is set for Thursday night at 7 p.m. CT, with all eyes on Devon Park as Texas Tech seeks to even the series and extend this thrilling softball saga.
