Texas Tech Stuns Florida State in Game 1 of Tallahassee Super Regional

FINAL: Texas Tech 3, Florida State 0

In a historic upset, Texas Tech defeated No. 5 Florida State by a final score of 3-0 in Game 1 of the Tallahassee Super Regional, bringing the Red Raiders within one win of their first-ever Women’s College World Series appearance.

The Red Raiders, under first-year head coach Gerry Glasco, showcased their resilience and determination, building on their impressive 48-12 season record.

Here are three takeaways from Thursday’s Super Regional opener:

1. What Nerves?

Coach Glasco said that his team was feeling some anxiety ahead of the Red Raiders’ first Super Regional series in program history, and rightfully so. Not only is is uncharted territory for Tech, but they’re on the road at Florida State—who has a dozen Women’s College World Series appearances.

Anyone who tuned into the game, though, would have a hard time saying that it was TTU, and not Florida State, who was dealing with nerves—and their three errors were the most we’ve seen from the in over a month. Texas Tech, on the other hand, was as cool as possible. The Red Raiders’ offense turned six hits into two runs, and that’s all they needed with the performance that 24 put together.

2. Canady Makes a Statement

Texas Tech came into this series as a decided underdog, as Florida State was the higher seed and came in as the No. 3 team in RPI. However, it appears that the public might’ve forgotten that the Red Raiders have the best player in softball. There are still three names in the race for the National Player of the Year, but NiJaree Canady put on a show that might put her in the driver’s seat to make it back-to-back years with the honor.

Canady tossed a complete-game gem, allowing just two hits in 79 pitches over seven innings, recording four strikeouts and one walk to completely shut down the Seminoles’ offense. Canady didn’t stop there, as she also tacked on an insurance run of her own with a solo shot over the right field wall—her third home run in the last three games—in the seventh to give her team a commanding 3-0 lead.

3. Tech Nabs a Critical Game 1 Win

Getting out to a lead in a best-of-three series is vitally important, and Canady and the Red Raiders did just that with this statement victory. According to ESPN’s broadcast, the Game 1 winner in Super Regional history has gone on to advance to the Women’s College World Series 80% of the time.

What’s even bigger about this win was just how dominant the Red Raiders were, and how fresh they were able to keep Canady, with just 79 pitches on the evening. That will be critical going forward, as Tech will have the game’s best pitcher and one of the hottest batters in the country, with just one win needed to make their first trip to Oklahoma City.

Up Next:

Game 2 is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on ESPN2. Texas Tech aims to clinch the series and secure its spot in Oklahoma City, while Florida State looks to rebound and force a decisive Game 3.