In a stunning turn of events, Oklahoma’s impressive run of four consecutive Women’s College World Series titles came to an end on Monday night. The decisive moment unfolded when Lauren Allred delivered a walk-off sacrifice fly, leading Texas Tech to a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Sooners in the semifinals. This pivotal match showcased the tenacity and skill of both teams, setting the stage for an exciting championship series.
The game took a dramatic twist in the top of the seventh inning when Oklahoma, trailing and down to their last strike, witnessed a remarkable performance from Abigale Dayton. She stepped up to the plate and launched a two-run homer, successfully tying the game against Texas Tech's ace, NiJaree Canady. This home run marked just her third of the season, showcasing her ability to deliver in clutch situations.
However, Texas Tech was quick to respond in the bottom half of the inning. Mihyia Davis ignited the rally with a single, followed by Hailey Toney’s crucial double. Allred then hit a fly ball to right field, where Sydney Barker's throw to home plate went astray, allowing Davis to score easily. This rapid sequence highlighted Texas Tech's resilience and determination to seize victory.
Oklahoma’s head coach, Patty Gasso, acknowledged Texas Tech's performance, stating, “Congratulations to Texas Tech. They earned that. They played well. They hit well. They pitched well. So well deserved.” Gasso’s commendation reflects the sportsmanship and competitive spirit that defines the Women’s College World Series.
With this victory, Texas Tech (53-12) advances to the championship series, marking their first appearance in the Women's College World Series finals. They will face off against the Texas Longhorns, who are making their third finals appearance in the last four years. The championship series is set to begin on Wednesday, promising an exciting showdown between these two powerhouse teams.
Sam Landry, the No. 1 overall pick in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League draft, faced a tough loss in this match. Having been coached by Gerry Glasco at Louisiana, she shared a heartfelt moment with him after the game. “It’s bittersweet,” Landry expressed. “I wished him luck going forward. Neither one of us wanted to be where we met in the postseason. Super happy for them. That’s a lot of my old teammates. I’m glad they’re getting to experience it.”
Despite losing her shutout, Canady secured the win for Texas Tech. She is a two-time reigning National Fastpitch Coaches Association Pitcher of the Year and was recognized as the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year last season. Having transferred from Stanford, where she had previously led her team to the semifinals, Canady signed a lucrative name, image, and likeness deal valued at over $1 million to join Texas Tech. After the game, she noted, “I think people doubted us, didn’t think we’d get to this point.”
While the Sooners ended their season with a record of 52-9, Coach Gasso remains optimistic about the future. “We’re standing at the World Series as one of the top three teams left, with a team of 14 newcomers,” she stated. Gasso expressed pride in her team's growth and resilience throughout the season, emphasizing the positive trajectory ahead for Oklahoma softball.
This year’s Women’s College World Series has delivered unforgettable moments and thrilling matches, culminating in a championship that promises to be equally electrifying. As Texas Tech gears up to challenge Texas, all eyes will be on the field as these talented teams vie for the ultimate title.
