In a stunning turn of events at the Women's College World Series, Oklahoma's impressive streak of four consecutive titles came to a halt on Monday night. The Sooners faced off against Texas Tech in the semifinals, where a dramatic walk-off sacrifice fly from Lauren Allred led the Red Raiders to a thrilling 3-2 victory.
With the game in a tense situation, the Sooners, led by Coach Patty Gasso, found themselves down to their last strike in the top of the seventh inning. However, Abigale Dayton sparked a glimmer of hope by hitting a tying two-run homer off Texas Tech's ace, NiJaree Canady. This marked only Dayton's third home run of the season, showcasing her ability to deliver in critical moments.
The excitement didn't last long for Oklahoma, as Texas Tech quickly responded in the bottom half of the inning. Mihyia Davis hit a single with one out, paving the way for Hailey Toney to follow with a double. Allred then hit a fly ball to right field, and a wide throw from Sydney Barker allowed Davis to score easily, sealing the win for the Red Raiders.
After the game, Coach Gasso congratulated Texas Tech, acknowledging their impressive performance. "They earned that. They played well. They hit well. They pitched well. So well deserved," she stated. This marks a significant moment for Texas Tech, as they are set to make their first appearance in the Women's College World Series finals.
Texas Tech, with a record of 53-12, will face off against Texas in the best-of-three championship series starting Wednesday. The Longhorns have reached the finals for the third time in the past four years, having lost to Oklahoma in both 2022 and 2024. This matchup promises to be a thrilling contest as Texas Tech aims to secure their first championship title.
In a heartfelt moment, Sam Landry, the No. 1 overall pick in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League draft, took the complete-game loss. Landry expressed mixed feelings about the matchup, having previously played under Coach Glasco at Louisiana. "It's bittersweet," Landry said. "I wished him luck going forward. Neither one of us wanted to be where we met in the postseason, but I'm super happy for them." Landry's personal connection to the Texas Tech team added depth to the competitive atmosphere of the game.
Despite allowing the tying run, Canady secured the win for Texas Tech. The two-time reigning National Fastpitch Coaches Association Pitcher of the Year and former USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year had a significant impact on the game. Following her transfer from Stanford, where she previously led the team to the semifinals for two consecutive years, Canady signed a lucrative name, image, and likeness deal worth over $1 million with Texas Tech. "I think people doubted us, didn't think we'd get to this point," Canady reflected. "We just wanted to go play softball." Her determination and leadership have been pivotal for Texas Tech's success.
Despite the loss, Coach Gasso remains optimistic about the future of the Oklahoma Sooners. With a roster featuring nine freshmen and only three seniors, the team has a bright outlook. "We're standing at the World Series as one of the top three teams left, with a team of 14 newcomers," Gasso remarked. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to coach such a talented group, emphasizing their growth, resilience, and unwavering spirit throughout the season.
As the Women's College World Series continues, all eyes will be on the upcoming championship series between Texas Tech and Texas. The excitement is palpable as fans eagerly await to see if Texas Tech can claim their first title in this prestigious tournament.
