Texas Tech softball defeated Florida 10-8 in Game 1 of the NCAA softball super regionals on Friday, moving one win away from the 2026 Women's College World Series.
The Red Raiders manage to eke out the result despite giving up four home runs and allowing the Gators to erase a 7-1 deficit.
Texas Tech trailed 1-0 in the fourth inning, before three straight doubles put the 2025 WCWS runners-up on top 3-1. Lauren Allred then crushed a three-run shot in the fifth inning, igniting a Red Raiders surge with Quiroga tacking on a solo homer.
Florida, however, answered back. Four fifth- and sixth-inning bombs brought home seven runners, as the Gators pulled level at 8-8 heading into the seventh. That's when Mia Williams sealed the deal with a go-ahead two-run homer after Laci Quiroga drew a leadoff walk, securing the 10-8 final result.
Aces NiJaree Canady and Kaitlyn Terry split pitching duties for the Raiders, allowing five earned runs off nine total hits.
Raiders Ace NiJaree Canady Signs Softball NIL Deal with AUSL
NiJaree Canady also made headlines off the field, signing an NIL partnership with Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) that includes an equity share in the expanding pro league.
Canady joins Tennessee pitcher Karlyn Pickens and Texas catcher Reese Atwood in signing NIL deals with AUSL, with the players expected to contribute to the league's social media content and brand campaigns.
The senior went 21-4 last season with a 1.30 ERA and 194 strikeouts, leading Texas Tech softball to the 2025 national championship game. Canady was selected No. 2 overall by the Texas Volts in the 2026 AUSL Draft, with plans to join the professional outfit once the WCWS concludes in June.
How to Watch Texas Tech vs Florida NCAA Super Regionals Game 2
Texas Tech now needs just one more win in the best-of-three super regionals series to reach Oklahoma City. The Red Raiders and Gators kick off Game 2 tomorrow at 12:30 PM ET, live on ESPN.
