Texas Tech softball punched its ticket to the 2026 Women's College World Series after defeating Florida softball 16-7 in Sunday's fiery NCAA softball super regional finale.
And the three-game series in Gainesville delivered the drama — both on and off the field — as Texas Tech star Mia Williams sat at the center of the controversy.
The standout infielder previously played for Florida before transferring to the Red Raiders. During the weekend series, Williams took her base in five different hit-by-pitches. Williams responded with her bat, smashing a game-winning, two-run home run in Game 1 and launching another critical two-run play in Game 3.
WATCH: For example, Jason Williams was seen yelling toward the Florida dugout after Texas Tech hit a home run. At the end of the video, he did the Gator Chomp in mockery of where he once played.
— Zach Moore (@zach_moore27) May 24, 2026
Ugly scene during an incredible series. pic.twitter.com/oAmulNJ2sc
Mia Williams's Father Jason Fuels Texas Tech vs Florida Tension
Williams's father, retired NBA star Jason Williams, contributed to the on-field tension.
Security briefly escorted the former Florida guard from Game 1 after a confrontation with a fan. During Game 3, he later celebrated his daughter's success by performing a mocking "Gator Chomp" while standing next to Florida's dugout.
Williams subsequently made a point to call out Florida head coach Tim Walton. However, the bad blood extended to the players on the diamond.
Following Sunday's loss, Florida players reportedly skipped the traditional postgame handshake. Walton — who was ejected in the fifth inning for arguing calls with the officials — stood by his team's decision not to engage with Texas Tech following the clash.
"Maybe that was for the better with the anxiety of the series," Walton told press. "On TV, they were saying there might be a bench-clearing brawl. Never seen that in softball in my life."
With the win, Texas Tech and Mia Williams advance to the 2026 Women’s College World Series, while Florida will look to regroup before embarking on another NCAA softball campaign next season.
