Texas Tech Stuns Oklahoma Dynasty to Reach First WCWS Championship Finals

Texas Tech Ends Oklahoma’s WCWS Reign with Historic Walk-Off Win

OKLAHOMA CITY – Texas Tech shocked the softball world Monday night by defeating Oklahoma 3-2 in the Women’s College World Series (WCWS) semifinals. The Red Raiders ended the Sooners’ run of four straight national titles and advanced to the finals for the first time in program history.

Walk-Off Glory in the Seventh

The game came down to the wire. With the score tied in the bottom of the seventh, Lauren Allred hit a sacrifice fly to right field. Mihyia Davis tagged up and raced home. The throw from Oklahoma’s Sydney Barker was off-line, and Davis scored the winning run.

Earlier that inning, Davis had singled and Hailey Toney followed with a double, setting up the game-winning moment.

“We knew it wouldn’t be easy — it’s Oklahoma,” said Texas Tech coach Gerry Glasco. “I told the team, ‘Let’s go win this right now.’”

Oklahoma’s Late Rally Falls Short

Oklahoma (52-9) nearly pulled off another miracle. Down to their last strike in the top of the seventh, Abigale Dayton launched a two-run home run — only her third of the season — to tie the game 2-2.

But Texas Tech (53-12) stayed calm and quickly countered in their half of the inning. The Sooners’ postseason magic ran out.

Canady Leads Red Raiders to the Finals

Star pitcher NiJaree Canady earned the win for Texas Tech. She allowed the tying homer but stayed focused to finish the game. A two-time NFCA Pitcher of the Year and last year’s USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year, Canady transferred from Stanford and signed a $1 million NIL deal to join Texas Tech.

“People didn’t think we’d make it this far,” Canady said. “We had no pressure. We just wanted to play softball and have fun.”

This will be her first appearance in the WCWS finals after two semifinal runs with Stanford.

Emotional Reunion Between Former Teammates

Monday’s game had personal meaning for many players. Sam Landry, Oklahoma’s pitcher and the No. 1 pick in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League Draft, previously played for Glasco at Louisiana. Allred and Davis also transferred from Louisiana with Glasco.

After the game, Landry and Glasco shared a heartfelt hug.

“It’s bittersweet,” Landry said. “I’m proud of them. That’s still a lot of my old teammates. They deserve this moment.”

All-Texas Championship Awaits

Texas Tech will now face Texas in a best-of-three championship series starting Wednesday. Texas is no stranger to the finals, having reached this stage in 2022 and 2024 but falling short both times — each to Oklahoma.

With momentum on their side, the Red Raiders are just two wins away from capturing their first NCAA softball national championship.