Texas Tech begins the best-of-3 Women's College World Series championship on Wednesday against the Texas Longhorns.
Texas Tech Softball is exactly where it wanted to be after falling in last year's championship of the Women's College World Series.
They're back, and they're better than ever.
It's a familiar face in this round with the Red Raiders' last opponent - the defending-champion Texas Longhorns - also returning. The mission remains the same.
The best-of-3 championship begins on Wednesday, June 3, from Devon Park in Oklahoma City with Game 1 airing on ESPN at 7 p.m. CT.
Notable Quoteables: Texas Tech Reacts to Semifinal Wins Over Alabama
Here's what you need to hear from the Red Raiders after they eliminated Alabama to reach the final round.
"As far as my team, just so proud of my girls," said head coach Gerry Glasco. "They really bought in in the last — I feel like the last 30 days that we just have come together and became a whole different team, and they’re just playing for each other so well now."
Mia Williams reacting to her walk-off home run in Game 1 of the semifinal against the Crimson Tide:
"I don’t even know," Williams said about her thoughts after hitting her 26th homer of the year. "I was so excited. My glasses were foggy, they were crooked. I was trying to hold my glasses and cheer at the same time. It was amazing."
Glasco on the team seeking revenge from the 2025 WCWS this season:
“Even though we had a lot of All-Americans joining the program, I thought it was really important to recognize the kids that were in the war here last year on our team and give them the opportunity to be leaders,” the coach said.
NiJaree Canady on the mindset of her teammates playing for one another:
“I think it just shows that we want to fight for each other,” Canady said after her two-hit shutout punched Texas Tech through to the finals. “I feel like we’ve gone through a lot, but it’s honestly brought us closer together and makes us want to fight for each other.”
About the shutout, Gerry was impressed: "I don’t have any doubt that was her best performance of the year."
Red Raiders & Gerry Glasco Entering WCWS Final
Canady, who has appeared in my WCWS games than any player in history, is excited to be back in the championship series, searching for her first national title.
“I’m just excited to be able to make it to the Championship Series again,” Canady said after the semifinal. “It’s just a blessing to play them again. It’s good for the state of Texas, showing how good softball is in the state, and I feel like we’re going to get a good turnout.”
Jasmyn Burns on her journey to get to this stage:
"It's truly a dream come true. When I think of the little girl I was, I'd never think I would be on this big of a stage. It's just been so nice to have my family here, have this amazing team around me. I'm so blessed to be able to play for Gerry and to be on this team."
Canady on her health entering the WCWS final, having thrown many fewer pitches in 2026 during the postseason than in 2025:
"Yeah, I'm feeling good. The goal has always been to peak around this time. I feel like we've reached that goal. Just excited to get started."
Glasco on previewing the matchup with the Longhorns:
"We know a lot about them. They're a great team, there are a lot of the same players from last year. Obviously, they're well-coached ... Talent all over the field, elite pitching, they've got speed. They're a well-built team."
