Texas Triumphs Over Texas Tech in Women's College World Series Opener

Texas Triumphs Over Texas Tech in Women's College World Series Opener

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – The Women's College World Series witnessed a nail-biting clash on Wednesday night as Texas edged Texas Tech in a gripping 2-1 matchup, marking the onset of the Championship Series. The game, lasting 2 hours and 7 minutes, highlighted the prowess of two exceptional pitchers, notably featuring Texas' Reese Atwood, a two-time All-American, who delivered a decisive blow with a crucial hit.

In a game where every pitch mattered, Texas Tech's ace NiJaree Canady (33-6) sought to secure a 1-0 lead through seven innings. She nearly succeeded, striking out the first two Longhorns in the final inning. However, the momentum shifted as Kayden Henry connected on a 1-2 pitch, driving a single into left field. With Henry representing the tying run, she showcased her speed by stealing second base during Mia Scott's subsequent at bat.

Scott then displayed her own savvy at the plate, executing a bloop hit that fell just out of Canady's reach, allowing Henry to advance to third. In a strategic move, Texas attempted to create a distraction for Canady by deliberately walking Reese Atwood, but the plan backfired. With Henry at third and Scott at first, Atwood capitalized on a 3-0 pitch and delivered a critical hit, driving in both base runners and turning the tide of the game in favor of the Longhorns.

Following the pivotal play, Teagan Kavan (27-5) demonstrated her resilience, aiming for her team-high 17th complete game of the season. Despite facing a rough start with a leadoff error in the seventh, Kavan quickly recovered, retiring the next three hitters and extinguishing any hopes the Red Raiders had for a comeback.

Upcoming Schedule

With this win, Texas takes a crucial step in the Championship Series. The competition continues as No. 6 Texas sets its sights on No. 12 Texas Tech in a best-of-three format. Their latest clash needs to be viewed in the context of Texas Tech's remarkable upset over the previous year's champions, the No. 2 Oklahoma Sooners, solidifying Texas Tech's position as a formidable contender in this Championship series.

The games will be held at OGE Energy Field at Devon Park in Oklahoma City, featuring a packed schedule:

• Game 1: June 4, 2025, 8:00 p.m. ET (ESPN, ESPNU, ESPN+)
• Game 2: June 5, 2025, 8:00 p.m. ET (ESPN, ESPNU, ESPN+)
• Game 3: June 6, 2025, 8:00 p.m. ET (ESPN, ESPNU, ESPN+)*

Fans can catch all the action through ESPN's broadcasting options and streaming on ESPN+, ensuring that every moment of this thrilling Championship series is accessible to viewers.

*Game 3 will occur only if necessary.